I really enjoyed this fantasy about Gregor and his little sister Boots who accidentally fall into another world – the Underland – where they meet humans who have lived there since the 16th century, as well as giant cockroaches, spiders, rats and bats they can ride through the air. It is a classic “hero journey” tale full of adventure. Gregor matures and learns to be more compassionate and confident as he discovers a way to possibly save his own family. But is he the chosen one the Underlanders have been waiting for? This book will appeal to most readers who like fantasy, and especially to kids who like the Redwall series or Sunwing books by Kenneth Oppel. This is the first book in the series The Underland Chronicles, and it was on the William Allen White Master List 2005-2006.

reviewed by Jennifer