“Fans of R.J. Palacio’s Wonder will appreciate this feel-good story of friendship and unconventional smarts.” —Kirkus Reviews
Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions. She is afraid to ask for help; after all, how can you cure dumb? However, her newest teacher Mr. Daniels sees the bright, creative kid underneath the trouble maker. With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. As her confidence grows, Ally feels free to be herself and the world starts opening up with possibilities. She discovers that there’s a lot more to her—and to everyone—than a label, and that great minds don’t always think alike.
The author of the beloved One for the Murphys gives readers an emotionally-charged, uplifting novel that will speak to anyone who’s ever thought there was something wrong with them because they didn’t fit in. This paperback edition includes The Sketchbook of Impossible Things and discussion questions.
A New York Times Bestseller!
* “Unforgettable and uplifting.”—School Library Connection, starred review
* “Offering hope to those who struggle academically and demonstrating that a disability does not equal stupidity, this is as unique as its heroine.”—Booklist, starred review
* “Mullaly Hunt again paints a nuanced portrayal of a sensitive, smart girl struggling with circumstances beyond her control.” —School Library Journal, starred review
Gerald A. Jennings –
Hats Off! Lynda Mullaly Hunt for writing Fish in a Tree! It is engaging, serious, fun and may help others to focus on the possibilities of literacy for all.
Fish in a Tree is a novel for young people. Moreover, it is a novel that would have real value for teachers and aspiring teachers. Plus, the parents of both children who learn differently and children who learn relatively normally could benefit from reading this story. The reason I think it has great value to be read by many audiences is because of the topic the author explores and the manner in which she presents it.
This is a story of a sixth-grade girl, Ally, who is not able to read in any functional manner. It is also the story of her peer relationships, family relationships and relationships to school and school people. Those human relationships and the authentic glimpse of the struggle of one nonreader are at the core of this book.
I was illiterate until I was eighteen. I learn differently than most. I am now sixty-seven and I have been a first and third grade teacher, an elementary principal, and a superintendent. I have earned a doctorate and have taught at the university level. I have some firsthand knowledge on this topic and my belief is that the ensuring that all students become literate cannot result from adopting a simple teaching method.
Helping someone to learn who learn differently requires teachers, parents and others to embrace complexity. This novel conveys the complexities of who Ally is and what makes her unique. Moreover, as this novel points out very well – helping others to learn who learn differently requires that teachers, parents, and others see possibilities and help the nonreaders to see possibilities as well. Each learner must be connected with as a unique individual and be appreciated and respected for their current strengths. It takes teachers, parents and others who can see the positive future in the learner even if the learner may not see it. Then, of course, our focus is to help the learner to see how their own, maybe highly unique, path to literacy can be built.
My path, like the paths of many others, to literacy has not been smooth. Learning to read at eighteen for me has meant that even today I am a slow, sometimes plodding reader that still stumbles as I strive for solid comprehension. Moreover, as an oral reader I am prone to skip and/or incorrectly pronounce words – my grandchildren have learned to gently correct me.
Overall, I have learned to stick with the text and reread when I am missing the message. At sixty-seven, I am still learning to write – oh my am I pleased that spell check was invented. I stick with my writing, too. Rewriting and reworking until I am comfortable sharing. Being literate did not come easy to me and it is not smooth sailing, even now. The turning point for me and Ally was seeing that it was ‘possible’!
Hats Off! Lynda’s book tells a story that can help others to see the possibilities of literacy for all.
Ranae LaBrecque –
This book is great. The girl in the story struggles as a reader but is an amazing artist. The book has wonderful themes that are great for discussion in the classroom. Fun fact- all the drawings are included in the back of the book.
Leonard –
Daughter had to read for her school
Joanne R. Fritz –
I love this book! My only regret is that I waited so long to read it. Fish in a Tree is a modern classic. Perfect for classrooms. The trio of Ally, Keisha, and Albert, along with their understanding teacher, Mr. Daniels, will fill your heart. Dyslexia is explained so well, I learned more about it than I ever knew and now I finally understand the torment that people with dyslexia go through trying to learn to read.
My favorite lines are on p. 220, when Mr. Daniels says,
“… but I do like that people are all different. What if we all looked the same, thought the same, had the same beliefs?”
“That sounds boring,” Keisha says.
“Indeed it does,” he says.
The perfect lesson for today, in these uncertain political times.
VK –
I’ve bought at least 20 copies of this book and have gifted and recommended to so many people ❤️ An excellent book that I am very happy to have found.
MJOSE –
Compré el libro para regalar a un niño de 13 años.
Sin duda, acerté.
El libro llegó en la fecha indicada.
Muy Recomendable!
Dorothy C. Minor –
For ten years, I led a book club for adult learners through Creek County Literacy. The adult students met with a tutor weekly. Once a month, tutors, students, and I would gather to discuss a book together. These adults were bright people who had struggled with reading and writing for a variety of reasons. At some point as adults, they had the courage to seek help. Admitting that they needed help was the first step toward becoming readers. Our book club meetings were joyful events that involved time together to talk about a book we had all read and to enjoy food together. What’s better than that?
Recently, I read Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. Reading the book caused me to think back on the times I spent with the adult learners and our book club. In Fish in a Tree, Ally, an elementary student, is constantly in trouble. She practically has a seat with her name on it in the principal’s office. The problem is that Ally, bright and articulate and talented in math an art, cannot read or write well.
Sadly, no one has realized what Ally’s problem is. When she is called upon to write in class or to read aloud, she acts out. She might draw wild circles on her desk with her pencil, thus annoying the teacher and getting her sent to the principal’s office yet again. But going to the principal’s office is a better alternative in Ally’s mind that having to read aloud and have the whole class make fun of her.
Ally looks at the copy of Alice in Wonderland that her beloved grandfather has given her and the book he used to read to her. She thinks to herself: “It’s like having a gift that’s locked in a glass box.”
When her regular teacher goes on maternity leave, Mr. Daniels steps in as the substitute. He is a breath of fresh air. He calls the students “my fantasticos!” At the end of the first day, Mr. Daniels tells Ally that he knows about her troubled past. He encourages her with these words: “I just want you to know that I’m going to try really hard not to send you to the office. If we have something to deal with, you and I will deal with together.”
Before long, Mr. Daniels figures out Ally’s problem and begins helping her cope with the dyslexia that has been holding her back and causing her to act out in school. Along with her own problem, Ally faces Shay, the class bully, and her sidekick Jessica. But Ally find allies in Keisha and Albert, two other students who also face Shay’s meanness.
Fish in a Tree is must-read book for parents and children, especially any children who are struggling with an issue in learning. It is an uplifting story of perseverance and the kindness and help from a teacher.
Lynda Mullaly Hunt maintains a robust website where readers can find a wealth of material. The paperback version of the book I read also has discussion questions and “The Sketchbook of Impossible Things” much like the one Ally herself keeps.
Bondi_Dan –
I’m Dyslexic and this book really talked to me.
Recommend it to all, but Dyslexians might really relate.
E Mele –
This story is so pertinent and important, as my 9 yr old triplets learn to navigate school and the school yard. What a wonderful book about learning, differences, friendships, and bullying. My kids learned that every person has an outside story and an inside story that we can’t see up front. You have to get to know a person to find out their inside story. And friendships are built on bravery and loyalty.
Benjamin –
Sehr gut
Michelle –
I downloaded this audible for my 4th grade students. It was great! They actually enjoyed every bit of it and couldn’t wait for the next chapter to begin. It is a bout a girl with Dyslexia and how she over comes her obstacles. I played it during read aloud.
Cheryl Waite –
Bought for an easy read as a teacher. Highly recommend