Gregor the Overlander

This thrilling subterranean adventure plunges readers into a richly imagined world just beneath New York City, where an eleven-year-old boy named Gregor discovers a hidden civilization of giant, talking creatures and pale humans. Suzanne Collins crafts a high-stakes fantasy where the fate of this fragile Underland hinges on a prophecy and Gregor's own unexpected courage, blending pulse-pounding action with a deeply personal story about family responsibility and finding one's strength.

The novel stands out for its unflinching and complex portrayal of an epic conflict, making it an excellent bridge for young readers graduating from early chapter books to more substantial middle-grade fantasy. Children who appreciate high-concept adventures with high emotional stakes, intricate world-building, and a relatable, reluctant hero will be completely absorbed from the first page to the last, eagerly following Gregor's perilous journey.