A parent might reach for this book when their child is navigating a significant but quiet family change, like a move or a sibling's illness, and seems to be retreating into their own world. The story follows twelve-year-old Cassie, whose family has moved to a new town built on top of an old one that was deliberately flooded. As her younger brother battles a mysterious illness, Cassie feels isolated and invisible, until she discovers a magical, hidden world in the foundations below her house. This book gently explores themes of loneliness, finding your place, and bravery in the face of unspoken family stress. It's a beautiful, metaphorical story for tweens who feel a little lost and need to see that their inner world has power and importance.
The core sensitive topic is a sibling's chronic, mysterious illness. The approach is metaphorical and emotional rather than medical. It focuses on the family stress and emotional fallout. The resolution is magical and hopeful, linking the brother's recovery to Cassie's actions in the magical world. The approach is secular.
Ideal Reader
This book is perfect for a sensitive, introspective 9-11 year old who feels overlooked or is processing a major family change that isn't openly discussed, such as a move, a new school, or a family member's illness. They might be a child who copes by retreating into their imagination.
Parent Prep
No specific pages need previewing. The book can be read cold. However, a parent should be prepared for conversations about the metaphors. The 'below' world can be discussed as a representation of hidden feelings, memories, or the parts of ourselves we don't always show. The family's unspoken tension is a key element that might resonate with a child experiencing something similar. A parent notices their child has become unusually quiet, withdrawn, or seems lonely after a significant family disruption. The child might be spending more time alone in their room or seem to be living in a 'daydream' world. They might express feelings of not fitting in or being invisible.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will likely connect most with the magical adventure, the mystery of the Glimmers, and the friendship with Liam. An older reader (11-12) is more likely to grasp the allegorical nature of the story, connecting the submerged town to loss and memory, and seeing Cassie's journey as a metaphor for finding her identity amidst a family crisis.
What Makes It Special
While many middle grade books feature magical worlds, 'Below' stands out for its quiet, lyrical, and introspective tone. The fantasy element is not an escape from reality but a direct metaphor for the protagonist's internal emotional landscape. Its power is in how it gently validates a child's complex inner life during a period of quiet turmoil, making it more magical realism than high fantasy.
Read plot summary
Twelve-year-old Cassie moves with her family to a planned community built above an old, flooded town. Her younger brother, Dig, is suffering from a mysterious, draining illness that has consumed her parents' attention, leaving Cassie feeling invisible. She soon discovers a secret world beneath the new town, inhabited by a boy named Liam and magical beings called Glimmers. Cassie must navigate the connection between the 'below' and the 'above' to understand what's happening to her brother and find her own sense of belonging.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Cassie feels like her family has 'two sides' now: the 'Before' and the 'After' Dig got sick. Have you ever felt like your life had a 'Before' and 'After' moment? What changed?
2
The Glimmers live in the world 'below,' connected to the old town. What do you think the 'below' world represents for Cassie? Is it just a magical place, or does it mean something more to her?
3
At the beginning, Cassie tries hard to be unnoticeable and 'still.' By the end, she takes big risks to help Liam and her brother. What do you think gave her the courage to change?
4
Liam tells Cassie, 'Some things, you have to go after. You can't just wait for them to float by.' What do you think he means? When does Cassie start going after things instead of waiting?
