65 pages • 2 hours read
Kathi AppeltThe Underneath
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2008A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.
RecommendedReading Age
8-12yearsLexile Level
830LBook Details
Fantasy
Action / Adventure
Animals
Science / Nature
Natural World: Animals
Natural World: Flora/plants
Relationships: Family