Welcome to the fascinating world of Gregor the Overlander, a captivating novel by Suzanne Collins that will take you on an unforgettable journey through the dark and mysterious Underland. With its gripping plot, dynamic characters, and richly imagined setting, this book is sure to capture the imagination of readers of all ages.
The story begins when Gregor, an 11-year-old boy, falls through a grate in the laundry room of his apartment building and discovers a hidden world beneath New York City. In this subterranean realm, he encounters a host of strange and fascinating creatures. Gregor meets giant bats, enormous cockroaches, and intelligent rats who speak and wear clothes.
As Gregor sets out on a perilous quest to save his younger sister, who has been kidnapped by the rats, he must navigate treacherous terrain. Gregor battles fierce foes and confronts his own fears and doubts. Along the way, he forms alliances with unlikely allies. He also learns important lessons about courage, loyalty, and the power of friendship.
Full of suspense, action, and heart, Gregor the Overlander is a thrilling adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. So come join Gregor on his journey through the Underland and discover a world unlike any you’ve ever imagined!
Gregor the Overlander Activities
Book Unit Samples
This sample contains the following:
- Comprehension for Chapters 1-3
- Constructed Response Question
Teaching Idea #1 ~ Comparing Two Books with Underground Settings
Underground settings have been popular for years. One of the first books with this setting was Journey to the Center of the Earth (1864). Just a year later Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865) was published.
The City of Ember is a great book to compare to Gregor the Underlander. In one scene of the book, Gregor tries to escape from the Underland by riding a boat down the river. Although Gregor’s journey ends in a vicious fight with rats, the actual boat ride resembles Doon and Lina’s ride out of Ember.
Many other comparisons between the two books can be made as well. Download this T-Chart to help students compare the two books.
Teaching Idea #2 ~ Mapping the Underland
Have students create a map of the Underland, the setting of the book. They can include important landmarks, such as Regalia and the various locations that Gregor visits throughout the story.
Here are some landmarks that could be included on a map of the Underland from the book “Gregor the Overlander” by Suzanne Collins:
Regalia: The capital city of the Underland, where the royal family lives and where the humans first arrive after falling through the grate.
The Waterway: An underground river that runs through the Underland. It is used for transportation by boats and serves as a major source of water for the inhabitants of the Underland.
The Dead Land: An area of the Underland that has been destroyed by volcanic activity. Few creatures live here, and those that do are adapted to the harsh conditions.
The Bat Cave: A massive cave system where bats live. It is a major hub of activity and serves as a gathering place for creatures from all over the Underland.
The Arena: An underground colosseum where battles are fought for entertainment. It is located in Regalia and is a popular attraction for both humans and creatures.
The Prophecy of Gray: A mysterious prophecy that predicts the coming of a warrior who will save the Underland. It is widely known and talked about among the creatures of the Underland.
Additional Subterranean Books
This story focuses on crimes by or against fairy-folk who live beneath the earth’s crust.
See the product that inspired this post.
Gregor the Overlander Novel Study includes vocabulary practice, comprehension questions, constructed response writing, and skill practice.
