Bibliography
Collins, S. (2003). Gregor the overlander. New York, NY: Scholastic.
Summary of the Plot
Gregor lives in New York City with his grandmother who is emotionally unstable and cannot be left alone, his mother, as well as two younger sisters. Gregor has to be the man of the house. While his sister Lizzie goes to summer camp and his mother is off to work, Gregor takes care of Grandma and the youngest child in the family, a two-year-old girl nicknamed Boots who was born after their father disappeared. One day Gregor and Boots accidently find out where their father disappeared to when they are sucked down an air shaft into the Underland. They are sucked down the air shaft in the laundry room of their apartment building.
At first, all Gregor wants to do is get home to comfort his worried mother. But soon, he finds out that his father has been taken prisoner by the rats. And everyone thinks that a vague prophecy, that is hundreds of years old, means that Gregor will be the warrior who saves the underland city of Regalia from the warlike rats. Soon, Gregor is on a quest of twelve companions, four of whom (according to the Prophecy of Grey) will not survive the journey. Even though he is only a child and knows nothing about war or the ways of the Underland, Gregor must find it in himself to bring peace to the Underland kingdom, and to bring his father home.
Vi's Vibes
This is the first book in a series written by Suzanne Collins about the Underland. Currently there are other books in the series one of which is Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane but there will be a total of five in the series. Gregor the Overlander is a well-written book that contains mystery and deception. The prophecy states that four sojourners will not survive the journey. How will Gregor survive? One of his friends deceives him by trying to make a pact with the rats of the Underland but Henry dies when he goes over a cliff. This book would be one that is enjoyed by a young person who enjoys intrigue and mystery.
Reviews
Gr 4-8-In this accessible, almost-cinematic fantasy, Gregor and his two-year-old sister fall into an amazing underground world. Taken in by people who have lived beneath the earth for centuries, the 11-year-old learns about the giant-sized talking creatures that also reside there, including bats, cockroaches, and vicious rats. Gregor just wants to get home, but a prophecy hints that he may be the "overlander" destined to save the humans from the warlike rodents. He is reluctant until he learns that his father, who disappeared from their New York City home a few years before, is a prisoner of the rats. Gregor is not an eager hero, but with common sense, quick thinking, and determination he grows into the role. His sister, who provides some comic relief, also plays a key part because of her ability to befriend creatures, especially the giant cockroaches. Plot threads unwind smoothly, and the pace of the book is just right. Exciting scenes and cliff-hanger chapters are balanced by decisions and interactions that drive the action. Gregor is not the most compelling figure at first, but as the story progresses he becomes more interesting, maturing through the challenges he faces. Supporting characters are generally engaging, particularly the enigmatic warrior rat that claims to support the protagonist's mission. This is an engrossing adventure for fantasy fans and for those new to the genre.-Steven Engelfried, Beaverton City Library, OR
School Library Journal November 2003
Utilization for Library Classes
Coordinate the use of this book with the world history teacher in connection with a study of mythological heroes who attempt a quest, perhaps Jason or Hercules. Students can draw parallels between the journeys and the tasks these heroes were required to perform and the tasks and journeys that Gregor had to attempt.
I would have the students do research on caves and underground cities. I would then coordinate with the writing teacher to have the students write about what it would be like to live in such a place.
Book Cover
Bibliography
Riordan, R. (2005). The Lightning thief. New York, NY: Scholastic.
Summary of the Plot
Percy Jackson is a misunderstood kid who manages to get kicked out of yet another school after he accidentally vaporizes his math teacher. After learning that his absent father is actually one of the gods from Mt. Olympus, Percy heads to Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp. While at summer camp he meets other half bloods he struggles in finding his place both in the real world and at summer camp. He has no idea who his father is even when he discovers that Dad is one of the gods from Mount Olympus but which god would desert their son. Percy goes on a mission to avert war between the gods. Zeus' lightning bolt has been stolen and Percy must recover it or a catastrophic war will take place between the gods.
Vi's Vibes
I really enjoyed this book. It was a fantastic story, one that kept you guessing as to who Percy's father could be and then who had stolen the lightning bolt. This would be a fantastic book for a young person who enjoys being in suspense while reading. I just cannot say enough about this book. The author wove Greek mythology into a book that young people would read. Awesome!
Reviews
Gr 5-9 -An adventure-quest with a hip edge. At first glance, Perseus Jackson seems like a loser (readers meet him at a boarding school for troubled youth), but he's really the son of Poseidon and a mortal woman. As he discovers his heritage, he also loses that mother and falls into mortal danger. The gods (still very active in the 21st-century world) are about to go to war over a lost thunderbolt, so Percy and sidekicks Grover (a young satyr) and Annabeth (daughter of Athena) set out to retrieve it. Many close calls and monster-attacks later, they enter Hades's realm (via L.A.). A virtuoso description of the Underworld is matched by a later account of Olympus (hovering 600 floors above Manhattan). There's lots of zippy review of Greek myth and legend, and characters like Medusa, Procrustes, Charon, and the Eumenides get updates. Some of the Labors of Heracles or Odysseus's adventures are recycled, but nothing seems stale, and the breakneck pace keeps the action from being too predictable. Percy is an ADHD, wise-cracking, first-person narrator. Naturally, his real quest is for his own identity. Along the way, such topics as family, trust, war, the environment, dreams, and perceptions are raised. There is subtle social critique for sophisticated readers who can see it. Although the novel ends with a satisfying conclusion (and at least one surprise), it is clear that the story isn't over. The 12-year-old has matured and is ready for another quest, and the villain is at large. Readers will be eager to follow the young protagonist's next move." -Patricia D. Lothrop, St. George's School, Newport, RI
School Library Journal August 2005
Utilization for Library Classes
World War II is revealed in the book to actually have been triggered by an epic battle between the gods. How can a modern event be explained by the gods? Pick a current event-an earthquake, a battle, or even a surprising celebrity love affair-and explain how the gods were really behind it. You can present your explanations as a television newscast!
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