A review by trudilibrarian
The Underneath by Kathi Appelt

1.0

Didn't like it ... at all. Just could not get swept up into the narration -- story reads like a dreadful combination of a clumsy, ineffectual parable and an over-the-top Bible passage. The sheer cruelty inflicted upon the animals in this book made me angry because it seemed to happen for no greater purpose than to establish evil. Hated Grandmother Moccasin and that entire subplot that was supposed to illustrate something so much greater about the enduring quality of love... but failed miserably as far as I'm concerned. Adults may love this story and obviously chose it as a National Book Award Honor (and god forbid if it gets the Newbery!), but I remain unconvinced that the story has anything to appeal to a child's heart and sense of wonder. This is not Charlotte's Web, The Incredible Journey, The Yearling or Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. If you cherish any of these classics I recommend you avoid The Underneath.