65 pages • 2 hours read
The Underneath
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Book Brief
320
Novel • Fiction
Bayou • Contemporary
2008
Middle grade
8-12 years
Super Short Summary
In The Underneath, a lonely, pregnant cat abandoned by her owners seeks solace with a chained dog named Ranger under his shack, owned by a cruel and abusive man named Gar Face. There, they build a family with the cat’s kittens, Puck and Sabine. The novel explores their struggle for survival, the bonds of family, and the dangers posed by Gar Face and the mystical forest around them. The book contains sensitive topics regarding animal cruelty and death.
Mysterious
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Emotional
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
11,653 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Kathi Appelt’s The Underneath intertwines a lyrical narrative with rich, atmospheric storytelling, earning acclaim for its emotional depth and vivid imagery. While praised for its poignant reflection on themes of family and survival, some readers found the pacing uneven and the interwoven stories occasionally cumbersome.
Who Should Read The Underneath?
Readers who would enjoy The Underneath by Kathi Appelt are likely drawn to heartfelt animal stories, intricate storytelling, and elements of magical realism. Fans of Kate DiCamillo's The Tale of Despereaux or Gillian McClure's The Sea Mice and the Stars will find similar themes of adventure, loyalty, and survival.
11,653 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Calico Cat
The Calico Cat
An unnamed, abandoned cat who finds solace in the companionship of Ranger, and becomes the mother of two kittens while living in the Underneath of an old shack.
Sabine & Puck
Sabine & Puck
The energetic and playful kittens of the calico cat, who navigate the dangers around them with the help of Ranger, their protective surrogate father.
Gar Face
Gar Face
A cruel and solitary man living in the woods, known for his deformed facial appearance and his harsh treatment of animals, whom he hunts for their pelts.
Grandmother Moccasin
Grandmother Moccasin
A mythical being part serpent and part human, who grapples with past betrayals, and whose presence in the forest influences the lives of other characters in profound ways.
The Alligator King
The Alligator King
A powerful and ancient alligator that embodies the mystery of the forest, serving as both a force of nature and a moral compass within the story.
320
Novel • Fiction
Bayou • Contemporary
2008
Middle grade
8-12 years
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