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Must read for educators & anyone with dyslexic loved onesRebecca L Fuessel

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Fish in a Tree Paperback – March 28, 2017

by Lynda Mullaly Hunt (Author)

12,295 ratings

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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

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.

This paperback edition includes The Sketchbook of Impossible Things and discussion questions.

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

From the Publisher

	Shouting at the Rain	One for the Murpheys	Lynda Mullaly Hunt Collection

Customer Reviews	1,292	3,278	64
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Editorial Reviews

Review

* “Unforgettable and uplifting. . . . Deals with the hardships of middle school in a funny, yet realistic and thoughtful manner. Ally has a great voice, she is an unforgettable, plucky protagonist that the reader roots for from page one. This novel is a must-have.”—School Library Connection, starred review

* “Filled with a delightful range of quirky characters and told with heart, the story also explores themes of family, friendship, and courage in its many forms. . . . It has something to offer for a wide-ranging audience. . . . 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. . . . Ally’s raw pain and depression are vividly rendered, while the diverse supporting cast feels fully developed. . . . Mr. Daniels is an inspirational educator whose warmth radiates off the page. Best of all, Mullaly Hunt eschews the unrealistic feel-good ending for one with hard work and small changes. Ally’s journey is heartwarming but refreshingly devoid of schmaltz.”—School Library Journal, starred review

“[Hunt’s] depiction of Ally’s learning struggles is relatable, and Ally’s growth and relationships feel organic and real.”—Publishers Weekly

“Poignant. . . . Emphasis on ‘thinking outside the box’ . . . Ally’s new friendships are satisfying, as are the recognition of her dyslexia and her renewed determination to read. Fans of R.J. Palacio’s Wonder will appreciate this feel-good story of friendship and unconventional smarts.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“Reminiscent of Polacco’s wonderful Thank You, Mr. Falker. . . . Ally’s feeling of loneliness and desire to fit in will resonate with young teen readers, as many share those feelings without the difficulty of dyslexia. . . . A tribute to teachers who go the extra mile to reach every student. . . . A touching story with an important message.”—Voice of Youth Advocates

“Entertaining dialogue . . . Ally’s descriptions of her ‘mind movies’ are creative and witty. . . . The treatment of a group of sixth-graders with various quirks who face down their bullies extends the book’s interest beyond the immediate focus on dyslexia.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Readers will . . . cheer for this likable girl.”
—The Horn Book

About the Author

Lynda Mullaly Hunt (www.lyndamullalyhunt.com) has received many honors for her debut novel, One for the Murphys, which is on over twenty state award lists, including Bank Street’s 2013 Best Books of the Year. She’s a former teacher, and holds writers retreats for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, two children, impetuous beagle, and beagle-loathing cat.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Chapter 1: In Trouble Again

It’s always there. Like the ground underneath my feet.
“Well, Ally? Are you going to write or aren’t you?” Mrs. Hall asks.
If my teacher were mean it would be easier.
“C’mon,” she says. “I know you can do it.”
“What if I told you that I was going to climb a tree using only my lips? Would you say I could do it then?”
Oliver laughs, throwing himself on his desk like it’s a fumbled football.
I see the world as mind movies in my head that are silly and exaggerated. But they are private and only for me. For Oliver everything is exaggerated on the outside so everyone sees.
Shay groans. “Ally, why can’t you just act normal for once?”
Near her, Albert, a bulky kid who’s worn the same thing every day—a dark t-shirt that reads, Flint—sits up straight. Like he’s waiting for a firecracker to go off.
Mrs. Hall sighs. “C’mon, now. I’m only asking for one page describing yourself.”
I can’t think of anything worse than having to describe myself. I’d rather write about something more positive. Like throwing up at your own birthday party.
“It’s important,” she says. “It’s so your new teacher can get to know you.”
I know that, and it’s exactly why I don’t want to do it. Teachers are like the machines that take quarters for bouncy balls. You know what you’re going to get. Yet, you don’t know, too.
I fold my arms and close my eyes. Hoping that when I open them she’ll be gone. But she’s still there.
“And,” she says. “All that doodling of yours, Ally. If you weren’t drawing all the time, your work might be done. Please put it away.”
Embarrassed, I slide my drawings underneath my blank writing assignment. I’ve been drawing pictures of myself being shot out of a cannon. It would be easier than school. Less painful.
“C’mon,” she says moving my lined paper toward me. “Just do your best.”
Seven schools in seven years and they’re all the same. Whenever I do my best, they tell me I don’t try hard enough. Too messy. Careless spelling. Annoyed that the same word is spelled different ways on the same page. And the headaches. I always get headaches from looking at the brightness of dark letters on white pages for too long.
I tap my pencil, thinking about how we had to dress up as our favorite book character for Halloween last week. I came as Alice in Wonderland, from the book my grandpa read to me a ton of times. Shay and her shadow, Jessica, called me Alice in Blunderland all day.
Mrs. Hall clears her throat.
The rest of the class is getting tired of me again. Chairs slide. Loud sighs. Maybe they think I can’t hear their words: Freak. Dumb. Loser.
I wish she’d just go hang by Albert, the walking Google page who’d get a better grade than me if he just blew his nose into the paper.
The back of my neck heats up.
“Oliver. Get back in your seat,” she says and I’m grateful that he draws attention away. But then she’s back to me. “Ally?”
I don’t get it. She always let me slide. It must be because these are for the new teacher and she can’t have one missing.
I stare at her big stomach. “So, did you decide what you were going to name the baby?” I ask. Last week we got her talking about baby names for a full half hour of social studies.
“C’mon, Ally. No more stalling.”
I don’t answer.
“I mean it,” she says and I know she does.
I watch a mind movie of her taking a stick and drawing a line in the dirt between us under a bright blue sky. She’s dressed as a sheriff and I’m wearing black and white prisoner stripes. My mind does that all the time—shows me these movies that seem so real that they carry me away inside of them. They are a relief from my real life.
I steel up inside, willing myself to do something I don’t really want to do. To escape this teacher who’s holding on and won’t let go.
I pick up my pencil and her body relaxes, probably relieved that I’ve given in.
But, instead, knowing she loves clean desks and things just so, I grip my pencil with a hard fist. And scribble all over my desk.
“Ally!” She steps forward quick. “Why would you do that?”
I can tell the scribbles to her are like kryptonite to Superman. I was right. She can’t stand it.
“What are you talking about? I didn’t do that,” I say pointing at the circular scribbles that are big on top and small on the bottom. It looks like a tornado and I wonder if I meant to draw a picture of my insides. I look back up at her. “It was there when I sat down.”
The laughter starts—but they’re not laughing because they think I’m funny.
I hear Suki sigh, so I glance over at her. She turns away as we make eye contact. She’s holding one of her small wooden blocks. She has a collection of them that she keeps in a box and I see her take one out when she gets nervous. She’s nervous now.
“I can tell that you’re upset, Ally,” Mrs. Hall says.
I am not hiding that as well as I need to.
“She’s such a freak,” Shay says in one of those loud whispers that everyone is meant to hear.
Oliver is drumming on his desk now. Suki sighs again.
“That’s it,” Mrs. Hall finally says. “To the office. Now.”
I wanted this but now I am having second thoughts.
“Ally.”
“Huh?”
Everyone laughs again. She puts up her hand. “Anyone else who makes a sound gives up their recess.” The room is quiet.
“Ally. I said to the office.”
I can’t go see our principal, Mrs. Silver, again. In the two months I was in this school last year, I was in her office so much I thought they were going to hang up a banner that said, “Welcome, Ally!”
I’m lucky Mrs. Hall is such a pushover. “I’m sorry,” I say, actually meaning it. “I’ll do my work. I promise.”
She sighs. “OK Ally, but if that pencil stops moving, you’re going.”
She moves me to the reading table next to a Thanksgiving bulletin board about being grateful. Meanwhile, she sprays my desk with cleaner. Glancing at me like she’d like to spray me with cleaner. Scrub off the dumb.
I squint a bit hoping the lights will hurt my head less. And then I try to hold my pencil the way she wants instead of the weird way my hand wants to.
I write with one hand and shield my paper with the other. I know I better keep the pencil moving, so I write the word, “Why?” over and over from the top of the page to the very bottom.
One, because I know how to spell it right and, two, because I’m hoping someone will finally give me an answer.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Nancy Paulsen Books
Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 28, 2017
Edition ‏ : ‎ Reprint
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0142426423
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0142426425
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8 ounces
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 9 - 11 years, from customers
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 0.88 x 5.06 x 7.75 inches
Grade level ‏ : ‎ 5 - 9
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 550L
Best Sellers Rank: #950 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #2 in Children's Books on Disabilities
- #25 in Children's Friendship Books
- #27 in Children's School Issues
Customer Reviews:
12,295 ratings

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Lynda Mullaly Hunt

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New York Times bestselling author, Lynda Mullaly Hunt’s second novel, FISH IN A TREE, is the 2016 ALA Schneider Family Book Award winner, an ALA Notable Book, a Global Read Aloud Choice for 2015, a SLJ Best Book of 2015, a Nerdy Winner, and an SCBWI Crystal Kite Winner. It is now being released in fifteen languages. It will also be a stage show in NYC.

Her first novel, ONE FOR THE MURPHYS (both published by Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin), is the winner of The Tassy Walden Award: New Voices in Children’s Literature, an ABA New Voices Pick, A Nerdy Book Award Winner, and an Editor’s Choice Book with Scholastic Book Clubs. It is being released in five languages. Lynda’s books have appeared on 37 state award lists thus far.

Lynda considers herself to be SO LUCKY to be writing for and speaking with kids all over the world. She also likes to watercolor paint and juggle :-) For twelve years, she proudly directed the SCBWI-NE Whispering Pines Retreat and is a former teacher and FPS Scenario Writing coach. Lynda lives with her husband, two kids, impetuous beagle and beagle-loathing cat.

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PLEASE SEE FISH IN A TREE Trailer here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVhWzVsVVIY

Praise for One for the Murphys:

“An astonishing debut! Lynda Mullaly Hunt's direct style of writing has readers rooting for Carley Connors and all of the Murphys from start to satisfying finish.”

~~Leslie Connor, ALA Schneider Family Award-winning author of Waiting for Normal and Crunch.

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“This is a beautiful book, filled with hope. You’ll cry and laugh along with Carley as she learns to lower her defenses enough to love—and, more surprisingly, be loved. It’s a story you’ll long remember.”

~~Patricia Reilly Giff, Newbery Honor-winning author of Pictures of Hollis Woods and Lily’s Crossing

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“Carley is a modern-day Gilly Hopkins, bright and strong, angry and deeply hurt…The first-person narration allows readers inside Carley’s head as she fights against both showing emotion and her growing pleasure in belonging to their world. There’s plenty of snappy dialogue as well. By the end of this poignant debut, readers will be applauding Carley’s strength even if they’re as unhappy as Carley is about the resolution. A worthy addition to the foster-family shelf.” (Kirkus-*Starred Review*)

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“…Scenes at home with the Murphy family, as well as those in which Carley builds a tentative friendship at school, are undeniably affecting.…Hunt’s writing is strong and her characters well-developed and believable…readers will still be drawn into this story of a girl’s struggle against the ingrained belief that she is undeserving of kindness and generosity.” (Publishers Weekly)

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“…Hunt successfully creates a portrait of a young girl’s emerging understanding of the complexities of family and the awareness that loyalty is not the same as ignoring your own wants and needs. Carley’s struggles with anger, regret, and self-worth both balance and deepen this coming-of-age tale. The novel speaks to the universal experience of growing up but will especially resonate with readers who have questioned the hands they have been dealt and wonder how to move forward nonetheless. Hunt’s novel vacillates between uplifting and heartbreaking as Carley learns to love, be loved, and let go.” (Hornbook)

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“In One for the Murphys, Lynda Mullaly Hunt convincingly portrays the personality of a questioning tween as she interacts with those around her. This is a life-affirming middle grade novel—perfect for those struggling with similar issues of fitting in or standing out.” (Booklist)

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“…Lynda Mullaly Hunt’s debut novel is powerful, honest, and heart-breakingly beautiful. This is a book for every¬one, not just middle-school girls; teens and adults will love it as well.” (Sacramento Book Review)

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“One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt shines for its honest portrayal of a girl caught between two worlds: the life she'd love to live and the life she's afraid to leave behind.” (Chicago Examiner)

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 Other Review:

One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt is a beautiful poignant story of eighty days in the life of a child placed in foster care with a loving family. It accomplishes the amazing feat of being both realistic and optimistic. The story encourages an empathetic appreciation for each character’s struggles, and transformation, as they strengthen in love, understanding, and honesty. With humor and wit, the story is a "must" for foster children and the families that love them.

Nicolette M. Banbury, Nationally Certified Psychologist and Licensed Professional Counselor/Specializing in Play Therapy and Trauma

One for the Murphys skillfully balances the genuine struggles, hopes, joys, and disappointments of a foster child, the foster family that brings her into their fold, and the birth mothers painful choices. The story reveals many of the emotional nuances and coping strategies often found in these circumstances that are, for most, very hard to conceptualize and understand. The humaneness of the story is validating, educating, and compassionate. I would highly recommend it for therapeutic use in psychoeducational formats, with bibliotherapy, and in situations where attachment to parents has been seriously compromised and traumatic.

We all benefit when a book like this one is published.

Nicolette Banbury, NCP, LPC

Marlborough, CT

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Customers find this book well-written and engaging, with deep conversations about characters and a main character Ally who serves as a good role model. Moreover, the book is thought-provoking, with many affirming life lessons to teach, and customers appreciate its realistic content and humor. Additionally, they value its diversity, with one customer noting how it teaches students that everyone is unique. However, the book receives mixed reactions regarding its emotional content, with several customers mentioning sad tears.

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Readability Thought provoking Character development Diversity Enjoyment Realistic content Humor Tear jerker

613 customers mention "Readability"602 positive11 negative

Customers find the book well-written and engaging, particularly noting it's great for read-aloud sessions and beneficial for educators.

"...Great book!..." Read more

"...We've all been there, and that's why this is a great book." Read more

"Good book. Love how the main character develops. I do planning on reading this to my fourth grade class as our next read aloud." Read more

"...Happy tears, sad tears, understanding tears, angry tears.... Great read!!!" Read more

150 customers mention "Thought provoking"150 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking, with many noting its affirming life lessons and ability to inspire empathy. One customer particularly appreciates its message about mind over matter.

"Inspiring and beautifully written...." Read more

"...It's funny and heartfelt. A story about a dyslexic girl, how she overcomes her struggles with the help of a caring teacher." Read more

"This is a great book for upper elementary students. It has a great message that students can really relate to...." Read more

"Amazing. It's touched me so much... Bravery, love,... Heartwarming... Amazing. I hope you write another book like this-I would buy I in a heartbeat" Read more

64 customers mention "Character development"58 positive6 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly the main character Ally who serves as a good role model, and note how readers feel deeply connected to the characters as they grow throughout the story.

"Got this book as a gift, completely feel inlove with the story and characters! highly recommed it to kids...." Read more

"Great story. Great characters. Great message...." Read more

"This book made me cry. The determination the main character has is amazing. The teacher in this book is the teacher every student wants to have." Read more

"...The book was funny and the characters had good personalities." Read more

58 customers mention "Diversity"56 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the book's diversity, finding it insightful and thought-provoking, with one customer noting how it teaches students that everyone is unique.

"Inspirational. A book of hope and friendship and family...." Read more

"Amazing book that highlights the power of diversity! Read it to my fifth grade class and it opened the door to powerful conversations." Read more

"...It is also the story of her peer relationships, family relationships and relationships to school and school people...." Read more

"...- a story that kids can enjoy on their own -but one that has so much depth to it, that a read aloud would be a perfect place to discuss people's..." Read more

37 customers mention "Enjoyment"37 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and entertaining, with children thoroughly enjoying it, and one customer noting that book club meetings were joyful events.

"...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..." Read more

"...to my three boys--that's how we roll in a dyslexic house-- and the kids loved it. They laughed right along with the interesting cast of characters...." Read more

"...Thank you, Lynda Mullaly Hunt, for a beautifully crafted, entertaining, heart-filled piece of literature for young people...." Read more

"This is a very sweet and meaningful book. I was required to read this for an education course I am taking in college...." Read more

31 customers mention "Realistic content"29 positive2 negative

Customers find the book's content realistic and serious, with one customer noting it hits home.

"...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..." Read more

"...The characters are memorable and real! Their emotions are genuine and very typical...." Read more

"Perfect - written through the eyes of a young girl with Dyslexia - but, didn’t know what was wrong with her." Read more

"...the author sent was received well, and I enjoyed how it didn’t have a predictable ending...." Read more

17 customers mention "Humor"17 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, finding it both funny and emotional, with one customer mentioning they laughed and cried while reading it.

"...It's funny and heartfelt. A story about a dyslexic girl, how she overcomes her struggles with the help of a caring teacher." Read more

"...The voices of the characters are real and humorous." Read more

"...The book was funny and the characters had good personalities." Read more

"...Engaging read with fun language and short chapters. My 11-year old pre-adolescent son was fully absorbed by it and finished it in a couple of days...." Read more

19 customers mention "Tear jerker"10 positive9 negative

Customers have mixed reactions to the emotional content of the book, with some finding it tear-jerking and sad, while others appreciate the genuine emotions portrayed.

"While I was reading this book it made me feel so happy and sad at the same time. It is so inspirational and beautiful!" Read more

"...would rate this book 5 stars, but took a star off for receiving the book damaged...." Read more

"...The characters are memorable and real! Their emotions are genuine and very typical...." Read more

"The book was torn on the the front cover and bent. Other then that all was nice." Read more

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PFel
Great story for all kids
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2025
Verified Purchase

I read this story as part of a book club with my sister, brother, and nephew. Some of Ally’s comments were hilarious! I immediately thought back to when I read Harriet the Spy fifty years ago. This book was poignant and relatable. Even my nephew enjoyed himself. Every child should read this, whether he or she is dyslexic or not.

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M. Haleem
Great books describing Dyslexia
Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2025
Verified Purchase
As a dyslexia teacher, this was a great book to read with one of my students! He finished the curriculum I teach so this book was easy for him to read and gave us more to talk about. A GREAT STORY! Turning your biggest weakness into your greatest strength or super power!

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Shelly
Awesome read!
Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2025
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Great read for preteens! This was a summer reading assignment.

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Duo Maxwell
fish in a tree review by ayaan
Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2025
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This is a hart warning story of a dyslexic girl who feel alone in a room full of people and can’t read. Search what dyslexia is after reading

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Andrea Ruiz
Fish in a tree
Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2025
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It was a pretty good book, it was interesting and i wanted to read more. The book was funny and the characters had good personalities.

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Gerald A. Jennings
fun and may help others to focus on the possibilities ...
Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2016
Verified Purchase
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.

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Dorothy C. Minor
Amazing Read
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2021
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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.

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Scott Rosenberg
Good read
Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2025
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My 11 year old daugher had to read the book for a school homework, and she is enjoying the book.

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Amazon カスタマー
おすすめです
Reviewed in Japan on November 12, 2022
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ディスレクシアをもつ主人公の女の子の感情の動きや人間関係など、いろいろ考えさせられました。
上手く説明できませんが、目に見えない人の困りごとをどう捉えるかを考える機会になりましたし、主人公の変化などから多くを学べるお話でした。

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Qin
Great book :)
Reviewed in Singapore on November 13, 2022
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The story was amazing. I loved every bit of it. sadly, there wasn’t a pre-crease on the cover so I had to make my own. But the book itself is amazing. It’s written so well

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Varsha
Poignant read
Reviewed in India on March 27, 2025
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Ally Nickerson is the proverbial fish in the tree. She can’t read, and it’s mortifying. So, she pretends that everything she does is a joke. That she deliberately makes mistakes while reading. That she wants to be funny. And each time she does that, she grows more and more vulnerable. Why is reading just so hard?

One day, along comes Ally’s saviour in the form of Mr. Daniels who sees what Ally is desperately trying to hide. He recognises that Ally is dyslexic, and he helps her find her feet, making her realise that the fact that she’s a fish who’s got so far up a tree shows just how smart she is. She’s not stupid, as she’s always believed. In fact, she’s quite the opposite.

More than once as I read Fish in a Tree, I teared up. The writing is just so poignant! Ally struggling to hold back her tears, running away from class, being bullied, finding misfits who become her friends … Everything about the book is beautiful. Like the very best kind of book, I finished it thinking, I wish I could write like that.

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Cliente Amazon
muito bom
Reviewed in Brazil on December 11, 2024
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otimo

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Maura
Fabulous book! Read it ! All ages !
Reviewed in Canada on June 4, 2025
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A must read for everyone ! Especially teachers !

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Fish in a Tree Paperback – March 28, 2017

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5.0 out of 5 stars おすすめです

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book :)

5.0 out of 5 stars Poignant read

5.0 out of 5 stars muito bom

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous book! Read it ! All ages !

おすすめです

Great book :)

Poignant read

muito bom

Fabulous book! Read it ! All ages !