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.

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.

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

Kathi Appelt

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

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The Underneath Summary and Study Guide

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The Underneath Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-25

The Underneath Chapters 1-25 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 26-50

The Underneath Chapters 26-50 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 51-75

The Underneath Chapters 51-75 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 76-100

The Underneath Chapters 76-100 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 101-124

The Underneath Chapters 101-124 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Underneath Character Analysis

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Themes

The Underneath Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Underneath Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Underneath Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Underneath Essay Topics

The Underneath

Before You Read

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