Synopsis: From the page facing the title page of the Scholastic Advance Reading Edition: "When eleven-year-old Gregor follows his sister through a grate in the laundry room of their New York apartment building, he hurtles after her into the dark Underland beneath the city. There humans live uneasily beside giant spiders, bats, cockroaches, and rats - but the fragile peace is about to fall apart. Gregor wants no part of a conflict between these creepy creatures. He just wants to find his way home. Then he discovers that a strange prophecy foretells a role for him in the Underland's uncertain future. Gregor has his doubts about it - but going along with the prophecy might be the only away for him to solve the biggest mystery of his life. Reluctantly, then, Gregor embarks on a dangerous quest armed only with his quick intelligence, an old hard hat, and a dust can of root beer. Rich in suspense, his adventures will change both him and the Underland forever."