The Underneath (novel)

The Underneath is a 2008 novel by American author Kathi Appelt. It is a children's/young adult novel that tells the story of a neglected boy, Ranger, and his relationship with a pregnant calico cat who lives underneath his grandmother's house in the bayous of Louisiana. The narrative explores themes of abandonment, love, family (both chosen and biological), and the interconnectedness of life, both human and animal.

The novel is told from multiple perspectives, including Ranger, the cat (eventually named Underneath), a blind snake, and a hound dog. These varying viewpoints offer a complex and layered understanding of the characters' motivations and the bayou environment.

The Underneath received critical acclaim, winning the National Book Award for Young People's Literature in 2008 and the Newbery Honor in 2009. It is known for its lyrical prose and exploration of difficult emotional themes.