Author: Suzanne CollinsAge: 9-14
Rating: 3/5
Summary: One afternoon Gregor and his baby sister fall through an open air vent into a world he never dreamed was possible. Cockroaches, bats and rats grow to incredible sizes and almost as surprising for Gregor is that there is a thriving human city here. The Underlanders can help Gregor get home, but they are on the brink of war and need his help.
Thoughts: This book is around the 300 page mark, but the reading level is pretty easy. It would be fine for that advanced reader who is still too young for more serious or explicit content, but still good for an older student who reads at a lower level. The story itself progresses quickly and the quest is easy to follow. The main hero -Gregor- is very likable. He places his family first and their worries above his own, he is loyal, he believes in fair play and justice. Gregor is also sensitive to others, not only his family but even with people (or creatures) he doesn't particularly like.
This book got a three because I'd recommend it, and I can appreciate why kids would like this story, but there are so many other adventures out there that I've enjoyed much more. As an adult my biggest beef is that the conflicts were too easily resolved for me to be satisfied with the story or to be much excited for the rest of the series. But as a kid for whom this is intended -it's just right.
I have many many boys who tell me they love this series and would like to read something similar. That's the tough part. I'd recommend trying:
-The Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series by Rick Riordan
- Keys to the Kingdom Series by Garth Nix
-The Book of Ember Series by Jeanne DuPrau
Know any other read-a likes?
