Gregor the Overlander is the first book in the Underland Chronicles, a 5 book series by Suzanne Collins. This series is a fantasy series about an eleven year old boy, Gregor, who plays into prophesies of the people who live in Regalia- an underground world way below the depths of New York City. 
 I originally chose to read this book because of its author-- Suzanne Collins, also the author of the wildly popular Hunger Games series. I read The Hunger Games books and enjoyed them. I also happen to be the language arts teacher for 40+ 3rd and 4th grade students who think they want to read The Hunger Games. These books are obviously not ideal reading material for 8, 9, and 10 year-olds, but the Underland Chronicles were actually written for kids in the 8 - 12 year range. 
 Gregor the Overlander is filled with vivid descriptions of a fictional land, rich and complex characters, and a lot of action and adventure. The book was a quick read, and I can imagine it being popular with both my boys and my girls. The first book has a satisfying ending, but teases you with hints of "more to come", and makes you want to go ahead and pick up the next book. I will be able to heartily recommend this book to my students, and may just have to go get the second book myself!