The Ninja Reviews... Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins

Since 11-year-old Gregor's dad disappeared two years ago, life has been different at his house. He takes care of his little sisters, Lizzy and Boots, while his mom works hard to keep food on the table. At the arrival of summer, Lizzy is packed off to camp while Gregor must stick around to watch two-year-old Boots and his feeble grandmother. During a trip to the apartment's laundry room, a very distracted Gregor suddenly realizes his sister Boots has crawled her way into an air vent. Gregor goes in after her only to discover that the air vent is actually a chute leading miles below New York City.

Gregor and Boots fall gently with the help of some air currents and find themselves in the Underland, full of giant rodents and insects and humans with translucent skin, silver hair and violet eyes. Eventually, between protecting Boots and trying to make sense of things, Gregor finds himself involved in a prophecy, dubbed the Warrior and leading a battle to save his father.

This highly imaginative first novel of Suzanne Collins (author of the Hunger Games trilogy), as well as the other four Underland Chronicle books, revolves around various aspects of war.  Collins creates an original and fascinating story and an incredible setting which will thrill all ages of readers!  Gregor is an endearingly loving older brother and a champion we can all rally for.  I highly recommend all five Underland Chronicle books for a fabulous and fun summer read!

Gregor the Overlander : Book 1	Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane : Book 2	Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods : Book 3
Gregor and the Marks of Secret : Book 4	Gregor and the Code of Claw : Book 5	If you enjoy Suzanne Collins try Hunger Games