Proposed questions for Gregor The Overlander

Gregor the Overlander
Suzanne Collins
1. p.3: Gregor tells his mother he doesn’t mind missing summer camp. What is her
response? Is it what Gregor intended?
2. p. 7 Why doesn’t Gregor let Mrs. Cormaci tell his fortune? What is his view of the
future at the beginning of the book? How does his outlook change?
3. At the beginning of the book, we learn Gregor believes his father will return. Why
does he think so? Do you think he is correct?
4. Discuss Gregor’s “rule” about his dad. Do you have any rules like this in your own
life?
5. Why are the neighbors more willing to believe Gregor’s false explanation of his
father’s whereabouts than the truth?
6. The roaches believe Boots is royalty. Why? How does she behave that encourages
others to believe this?
7. p. 29 Why is it so important to Gregor to avoid acting scared around Luxa?
8. p54 When Gregor compliments Dulcet, she becomes extremely embarrassed. Why
do you think she reacts this way? How does Gregor respond?
9. Discuss some of Gregor’s difficulties adjusting to cultural differences in the
Underland. How is Boot’s adjustment different?
10. p.62 Solovet is the first Underlander willing to touch Gregor. Why is this?
11. Underlanders are “bonded” to their bats. What does this mean? How is each helped
by bonding with the other?
12. p. 69 Why do you think the author included the section on Gregor, his father, and
the eyeless fish?
13. How do the rats respond to Gregor? What do Fangor and Shed mean when they
discuss Gregor’s “shade”? Why is this significant to them?
14. p. After Gregor and Boot’s failed escape attempt, and the Underlanders treat them as
prisoners, Gregor feels sad for Boots. Why?
15. Discuss Gregor’s initial impression of Sandwich’s prophesy.

16. Gregor denies that he could be the warrior described by the prophecy. What are the
characteristics of a warrior? Does Gregor have any of these characteristics?
17. p. 113 Gregor has mixed feelings when he learns his father is alive; he is both happy
and anxious at the same time. Why does he feel this way? Describe a time when you
also have experienced mixed feelings about a single event.
18. What does grandma mean when she says “Where there’s life, there’s hope”?
Does Gregor believe her? Do you think she is right?
19. p. 118 Luxa agrees with Gregor that Boots should not be left behind. Why do you
think this is? What do you think this will this mean for Gregor’s relationship with Luxa,
which has been quite strained so far?
20. How are Gregor and Luxa alike?
21. p. 158 Luxa and Henry think weak creatures deserve to die. Why? How does
Gregor feel about weakness?
22. Describe the relationship between Luxa and Henry. How do they get along with
Vikus? With Gregor?
23. How would you describe RipRed? How do you think he got to be this way? Do you
like him?
24. p. 231 Describe Luxa’s plan for handling fear. What do you think of her plan?
25. p.300 Why does Gregor refuse the gift of the sword? Was he right to do so?