Fish in a Tree

By Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Book Overview

A New York Times Bestseller - 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.

"Fans of R.J. Palacio's Wonder will appreciate this feel-good story of friendship and unconventional smarts." --Kirkus Reviews

"Everybody is smart in different ways. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid."

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.

Schneider Family Book Award - ALA Notable - Global Read-Aloud Selection - Crystal Kite Nerdy Book Award

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399162593
• ISBN13: 9780399162596
• Release Date: February 2015
• Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.94 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.8" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 10 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 5 and higher

Customer Reviews

There are so many people who struggle with reading!

Fish in a Tree was one of the books I randomly picked up in the library while my class was in there. I saw the cover with a fish (I’m obsessed) and decided I wanted to read it. I had no idea what I would be reading would be such a treat. As someone who works in education, I feel like this book needs to be a permanent read aloud with the entire class. I work in an elementary school and between my jobs as a previous tutor and now a para, I see so many kids struggling with reading.. so much so that the state is doing a whole reading plan for everyone. And literally almost everyone is behind on reading whether it’s a little or a lot. With the whole “no child left behind” happening (kids not being held back anymore) and all the extra things that teachers have to teach allows kids who struggle to fall through the cracks, there are upper grade kids who do not know how to read. It is very sad and it is worrisome. To any school that has extra help put in place to alleviate that, that’s so important. At the beginning of the book Ally (main character) always got herself into trouble to avoid working because she didn’t understand or know how to do something. Then came along a teacher who really paid attention, who really sought out to find out why she was so disconnected. He came up with many solutions, found out other ways she could do her work, and teach her where she was beginning to really understand how to read. Once she had someone to believe in her, her self confidence went up. She made friends, had the class to look at her differently, and had some magical moments where she shined. I think that if every child who is struggling had someone to believe in them and help them like this, they could learn and then help someone in return. Knowing how to do something as simple (or not so simple) at reading can change your entire life. Reading is very important. Get this book into as many people’s hands as you can so that they can see what happens.

A Love Letter to Neurodivergence

This book was well done, and showed different scopes of neurodivergence on a middle grade level, while also covering different topics like poverty and bullying, with great familial support. Really enjoyed it!

Great classroom read!

I read this with my 5th grade class and everyone loved it! It is told from a student's perspective and the characters are real and relatable. I love that kids get to read about how having different abilities can be a gift and not a burden!

Dyslexia to a tee 🙌🏻

This story would be a great read aloud for kids of any ages. No language, however there is teasing. Great example of a dyslexic child who struggles

Fish in a Tree

I loved this book. I recently learned my son has dyslexia and reading this book helped me see the good.

I loved it! So inspiring!!

Fish in a tree was an awesome book! I greatly related to it and enjoyed it!! Thank you to Lynda Mullaly Hunt!!! Samantha 13