Fish in a Tree

The first three quarter of the book is wonderful -- sad, but inspiring. I find myself rooting for Ally and her friends. The last quarter, though, seems too easy and predictable, as if Hunt had exhausted all of her effort and lost steam. Nonetheless, this is a beautiful book. I recommended it to many of my students.

This book was really great. I read it to my kids, age 8 and almost-11, and we were all hooked. The younger child took a bit longer to get into the story, but she sure did like it once it got going. We all fell in love with the amazing teacher who helped the dyslexic girl find her strengths and improve upon her weaknesses in school. Great book! Highly recommended for kids 8-12, especially if that kid struggles in school (and even if they don't; it's a great book for fostering empathy).

An absolutely enlightening and delightful book about the complexities of living with Dyslexia. The relationships between and amongst teachers and students is informative and heartwarming. A great read for students, teachers, and parents! A terrific read aloud choice for grade 4 & 5 students to help them discover their learning differences and respect those strengths and challenges of others as well. This story is well written and engaging from the start.

This was a gift and it arrived on time and in excellent condition. The book itself looked to be high quality and looking trew it i noticed that it had a really nice layout and i think any kid would love to read this book. She read it in school and loved it so much she wanted a copy for herself.

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I loved it. There were parts that made me tear up because of the amazing person Mr. Daniels. I definetly recommened. This book has a great lesson to offer and is a pretty easy read. I stayed up until midnight last night even though I have class at 7

This is an amazing insight into the difficulties some students face. Bright students who see things differently. The author did a great job describing the way dyslexics sees words and letters. I cried as I read descriptions of how I felt in school. As a teacher I want to be a Mr. Daniels.

This amazing book is about a girl named Aly Nickerson. Aly is really smart except for the fact that can't read. Aly found the best way for her to get out of reading and writing was to get in trouble and get sent to the office. So when she gets a new teacher who believes in her and is willing to help her she starts to feel more confident in herself. Read the book to find out how Ally learns to deal with her problem of not being able to read. And all about her amazing new friends.

Lynda Mullaly Hunt has crafted a beautiful story about being “that kid”, the one for whom the expectations are low, and who retreats into her own world to keep the real one at a distance. Ally sees in pictures. Words are nearly impossible to decipher; so she doesn’t try. With the help of a great teacher, who begins to crack her code, Ally starts opening up to the idea that maybe there’s more to herself than she realized. It’s a powerful realization, and one that so many kids will relate to.

Through the course of the story, Ally finds and connects with other kids who accept her and see beyond the attempts at distancing herself from the. Ally’s allies, Albert and Keisha, feel very real to me. Their bond of friendship helps Ally realize that she has much to offer, and it bolsters the trio against the sideways glances and smack talk of some of the other kids, like Shay.

The author has effectively put into words that claustrophobic feeling of what it’s like to HAVE to stay one step ahead of being figured out and labeled as dumb. That crushing feeling- that need to stay under the radar, or even be deemed problematic, instead of the world finding out the truth, feels so real here.

Mr. Daniels is the teacher who sees beyond the front Ally has put up. He knows something is up with this girl, and refuses to let her go under the radar. We discover that Ally is actually dyslexic, and that it is a workable condition. The more Ally understands this, the more empowered she is. And her friends help her through it all.

Everyone should be so lucky as to have a Mr. Daniels in their lives. A good teacher can literally be a turning point in a struggling student’s life. I know I had a few teachers like that- the ones who saw the person before the grade. They are the real unsung heroes in the ever-changing and difficult school landscape, and this story shines a light on them.

"Now I realize that everyone has their own blocks to drag around. And they all feel heavy.”

So true. This story is a good reminder for folks of all ages, really, to look beyond the surface and see the potential in every person.

I had high hopes for this book when I started it, looking for a book I would like as much as Wonder. Yes, it's a story about an engaging kid who struggles with a disability and who triumphs in the end. But unlike Wonder, I found the characters to be somewhat flat and one-dimensional. The kind teacher was always kind and helpful. The mean girl was always mean. Yes, we got a glimpse of her domineering mother, but that was the end of the insight into her character. She was mean at the beginning of the story, and mean at the end. And the plot was fast-paced and inspiring, but somewhat predictable. Time after time, Ally is shown to be smarter than she thinks. Mr. Daniels gives the kids a challenging puzzle. Who figures it out? Ally (twice). The mean girl is sure she'll win for class president. Who beats her? Ally. And Mr. Daniels was just a little too superhuman in a school full of teachers who appear to be bumbling idiots. Finally, at the end, the principal was portrayed somewhat compassionately, but before that, every teacher seemed completely oblivious to Ally's struggles, simply choosing to believe she was acting out all the time (with very little evidence of behavior problems given). I'm sure this book would be inspiring to both kids with learning disabilities and the teachers who work with them, but I would have liked to have seen a more two-steps-forward-one-step-back approach, and characters who don't always do what you're expecting them to do.

I haven't read this, so it's not about the book itself. My daughter is dyslexic. She was very happy to learn about this book and excited to read it. So, I went to get it for her on her Kindle Fire. It was $8.99. It does not seem to easily work with text-to-speech on the Kindle (like the books in the Kindle Free Time do....very easily....and that voice command thing is horrible). So, I had to get an Audible for it. The Audible is $12.99 FOR A BOOK FOR CHILDREN THAT IS ABOUT A DYSLEXIC PERSON. I actually apparently had some sort of Audible credit, but it still just angers me. I guess you can jack up the price since the kids that would be interested most are unable to actually read it without support.

Stayed up late to finish this hoping to write the review right away I was so excited. Ends up I'm writing this the next morning brain was just too tired. I find myself though still excited and pumped about this book. First I can tell this book was written by a teacher and great teacher at that I'm sure. I this by the dedication in the front and from when the main character Ally asks her new teacher Mr. Daniels: "What are 'learning differences'?" The reply to that written by Hunt gives me goosebumps and brings tears to my eyes. He says: "When you ride your bike home, is there more than one way to go? " "Yeah" Ally replies. "I thought so," he says. " Well, just like there are different ways for you to get home, Ally, there are different ways for information to reach the brain." Every teacher that can should you this book in the classroom for a group read or in book clubs. As a mother of a daughter and grandson with Autism, this book can be used to explain differences and teach tolerance. Ideally, everyone should read this book: it gives you a look at the life of a student with dyslexia and all the bullying that came come with learning different from others. The other reason is that it pays homage to all those great teachers whose work go unnoticed who make a difference. As a first-year teacher going into a classroom everything Mr. Daniels does set an example of how to handle / work/model behavior in a classroom. From a teacher standpoint, Hunt evens models activities that I have learned to us and lets me see them in action even if it's only a work a fiction. One that in its own way is true.

Children / Students can really learn from this book. I can't recommend enough for anyone to read!

<b><i>Fish in a Tree</i> by Lynda Mullaly Hunt</b>
<b>Rating: 4.5/5 stars</b>
Best For: 9 years old and up, 4th grade and up.
Clean Read: Yes
Worth a Check Out: Yes.
Buy It or Not: Yes.
Read Aloud: Yes.Lesson Ideas: Friendship. Bullying. Differences. Challenges. Confidence. Dyslexia. Reading. Kindness. Family. Metaphors.

"Be careful with eggs and words b/c neither can be fixed."

"Great minds don't think alike."

"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."

Friendship. Bullying. Families. Inspiring teacher. Overcoming challenges. Reading difficulties. Dyslexia.

<i>Fish in a Tree</i> by Lynda Mullaly Hunt is full of inspiring quotes and so many deep and powerful topics; it is a great read. Personally, I think this would be a great book for a classroom read aloud in the upper elementary or middle school classroom. It would also make for a wonderful parent/child read.

I absolutely enjoyed this middle grade fiction, and I definitely think readers of all ages could vastly benefit from this book. I was inspired and educated, and for all of those reasons Fish in a Tree earned 4.5 out of 5 stars.

I really enjoyed the character development and the growth Ally portrayed. She struggled with her confidence and self-esteem at the beginning, and I loved that at the end she said, "I'm having trouble is not the same as I can't." I feel that statement alone shows a lot of growth.

All in all, fabulous book that is predictable (hence the slight rating decrease), but it was relatable and powerful as well.

Fish in a Tree is a fabulous. Definitely check this book out. If you liked the book Wonder, which I loved, then I think you will enjoy this read as well. It'd make a great Book Club book as well.

A friend recommended I read this book and I'm so glad I did. I believe as an adult, we are so overwhelmed or busy with our own struggles in life, we forget that children struggle too. It's a different type of struggle; whether it's​ peer pressure, or bullying; they want what everybody wants. To fit in.
Reading this book brings back childhood memories. It connects with the child within. It reminds me that teachers who take the time to be patient and seek out the good in us, brings out the best in us. I found myself rooting for Ally, loving her sweet big brother, smiling about her friends, and being proud of her for building enough self esteem to stand up for herself. I applaud this book. It's now one of my favorites.

Learn what help really is

Fish in a Tree is an amazing fiction novel that many middle schoolers, especially sixth graders, would enjoy. This is a wonderful book because it has characters that overcome challenges, strong friendships, and descriptive details. I chose these three criteria pieces because I think the author did an excellent job in showing these criteria reasons in my book. In the novel, Fish in a Tree, by Lynda Mullaly Hunt we learn that if you accept you need help, help will always be available. Ally is a girl who has traveled to many schools. At each school, she tries to hide her inability to read by creating small disruptive distractions during class. When a new teacher comes to school, Ally learns that its okay to ask for help and she starts to see people for more than just a label like "dumb" or "loser." In the end, we see that when you accept you need help, help will always be available.

Fish in a Tree is an incredible book because it has characters that overcome challenges. Hunt writes, " 'What's it like? This thing you have. Dystopia or whatever.' 'Dyslexia?' 'Yeah. What's it like?' […] I think of that word Mr. Daniels used when he talked about the famous people with dyslexia. Grit. He said it's being willing to fail but try again," (pg. 244-245). This is near the end of the book and it's when people have found out that Ally has dyslexia and she's thinking back to how her teacher helped her with it. When she says "Dyslexia," it made me think about earlier in the book when she was not able to say it out loud in front of people and now she can. This shows how Ally has overcome the challenge of accepting she has dyslexia. In the text, it says, "The poster with the two hands reaching for each other. The one I was asked to read but couldn't. I walk over and stand in front of it. I stare at the outstretched fingers. Then I take a deep breath and, just like Mr. Daniels taught me, use the envelope in my hand as a marker under the first line," (pg. 261). This shows that Ally has overcome the challenge of not being able to read with the help of her new teacher. The author purposely said "just like Mr. Daniels taught me" so that the reader could think back and remember how much Ally has grown with the help of her new teacher. Fish in a Tree is an incredible book because it has characters that face and overcome challenges.

Fish in a Tree is an outstanding book because it has strong friendships. Hunt writes, "Keisha leans forward. 'You are one good friend, Albert,' " (pg. 259). This shows friendship because the fact that it says "good friend" immediately makes you think friendship. In the beginning of the book, Keisha probably would never have said this. It has a positive connotation because being a friend means one thing but being a good friend can leave a more lasting impact on a person. It shows how throughout this book strong friendships have developed. In the text it says, " 'Hey,' I say. He looks up. Then something comes out of my mouth that I don't expect. 'Do you want to sit with Keisha and me at lunch?'," (pg. 91). This shows friendship because the intent of this quote is too show how a new friendship is starting and eventually this friendship gets to be very strong. This piece of evidence is very memorable because it shows a new strong friendship beginning. Fish in a Tree is an outstanding book because it has strong friendships.

Fish in a Tree is a wonderful book because it has descriptive detail. According to Hunt, "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," (pg. 3). This shows descriptive detail because it explains in detail this movie Ally's making up. You can see using the detail the author put into this piece of evidence how this mind movie relates to what Ally thinks in the real world, this author uses the line "She's dressed as a sheriff and I'm wearing prisoner stripes," this shows how Ally thinks that the person dressed as a sheriff has all the control and no matter what Ally does she is still a prisoner. Hunt writes, "Big drops of rain fall on the windshield like bombs," (pg. 110). Even though this is a short quote it still shows descriptive details because I can picture the big raindrops in my head. This descriptive detail makes you feel like your there in the car. In the quote it uses the term "like bombs" This means it is trying to show a negative connotation because when people hear the word bombs it makes you think about war, like huge explosions coming down, which is thought to be negative. Fish in a Tree is a wonderful book because it has descriptive detail.

In conclusion, Fish in a Tree is an amazing fiction novel because it has characters that overcome challenges, strong friendships, and descriptive detail. I recommend this book to middle schoolers, but especially 6th graders, because the main character, Ally, is a 6th grader who has struggled in school but managed to get help and could be an inspiration to some struggling 6th graders. I would give this book 5 stars. In the novel, Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, we learn that if you accept you need help, help will always be available.

Why did it take a substitute teacher in Ally's class to realize what was wrong with he?. Ally would see and wonder in her mind what was wrong. Even the principal (who finally apologized) didn't recognize the issues. They are trained professionals and didn't have a clue! Ally's mother was having her own issues with coping with the husband/father to be away. The message was loud and clear! Help was needed and Mr. Daniels in his kind and gentle way, gave Ally the courage to stand up to her personal issues of not being able to read. What was also great is that Ally stood up to the "princes" of the class. This book was about bullies, teachers that did not recognize Ally's problems, and unfortunately for Ally being swept under the carpet again and again. In the end there was positive results for Ally as well as for her brother. AMEN. This book is a must for all public libraries as well as church libraries. Don't pass it by.

“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.” (pg. 2) In Fish in a Tree, there’s a main character, Ally, and she’s at school. Although, she is different from everybody else. She is clever with her tricks, but dumb to others. She never does classwork yet she can out smart a lot of people. Her other classmates think of her as dumb, slow, and not normal. From this book we learn that how people see you, is not how you really are, and everybody is smart in different ways. Overall, this book teaches a great lesson to anyone who reads it.

Imagine your in a classroom. It’s the first day of school, and you don’t know many people, including the teacher. You’re a slow worker, and not exactly a straight-A student. That’s how Ally feels. Like a stranger to everyone. All throughout the book, people tease her and call her names because she’s always causing trouble. She soon gets moved to a different teacher, one that doesn’t send her to the principal’s office constantly. His name is Mr. Daniels, and although Ally gives him a hard time, he still is determined to find an activity that Ally likes to do. As Ally grows more confident, she learns to be free and not care about what other people think. But will people ever stop teasing her?

Ally has dyslexia. That’s why people call her slow and dumb. She doesn’t listen to her teachers, and is constantly being told to go to the office because she doesn’t follow the rules and pay attention. Ally refuses to learn because of her learning disabilities. The first teacher Ally had would send her to the office all the time. But Mr. Daniels is different. Mr. Daniel helps Ally improve and find activities that she likes to do. He helps her realize that dyslexia isn’t a bad thing, and many famous people had disabilities, just like her. Additionally, he tells her that she shouldn’t care about what other people think, and being dyslexic isn’t a bad thing. “Everyone is smart in different ways. But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it’ll spend it’s whole life thinking it’s stupid,” (pg. 159). On the other hand, a few people have been bullying her constantly. Shay and her friends bully her about being dyslexic, and have even gotten into some fights about it.

All throughout Ally’s hard school days, we learn that you shouldn’t judge people from their looks, but from what’s really on the inside. Nobody should have to go through bullying just because they were born with something they can’t change. This book definitely tells a good message to anyone. All in all, I give this book a five out of five stars because it was a quick, easy read, and I definitely recommend it to people who are looking for a book that can make you connect with the characters, or anyone who ever felt they didn’t fit in.

This is super heartwarming and adorable. :) The book begins with Ally accidentally giving her pregnant teacher a sympathy card because the flowers on the front looked nice. Once the teacher goes out on maternity leave, they get the epic Mr. Daniels. I melt just thinking about him! But seriously, if there were a kid with dyslexia in your class, how would anyone figure it out? Ally thought letters that moved were normal.

Everything is so perfect in the end though. The mean girl falls from power, the class finds out about Ally's dyslexia and everyone is super nice and understanding about it. Life is perfect. Which, if I had to guess, is probably not what would actually happen. Also, I kept wanting to say it's set in the 50s. I have no idea why! Maybe because she has a sweet teenage brother who's a mechanic? For some reason that says vintage to me.

I'd absolutely recommend this book to people who need a break from heavy ones--I'm currently reading about a girl who's forced into an arranged marriage and this was a nice distraction.

Disclosure: I am a pediatrician who works very frequently with kids who struggle in school and so the premise of this book caught my attention. My daughter (who is in 5th grade and does not have a learning disability) is a voracious reader and she finally (reluctantly) read this book with the urging of myself and my wife and she absolutely loved it and stayed up way too late because she couldn't put it down. She is not usually that enthusiastic about books we put in front of her, so my wife read it and loved it as well so I felt obligated to read it myself.

The most important review here was from my daughter -- she is the intended audience for the book (middle school readers). I would take all critiques by the adult readers of this book with this in mind. It is not meant to be written with the emotional complexity of a novel for adults, but instead is meant to connect to its true audience (the kids).

There are some limitations to this book, and I agree with those who suggest it seems unlikely that a student with an apparently severe reading disability (decoding problem) would not be identified by 6th grade. It does however happen at times. Even more commonly, kids with milder learning disabilities will come to my attention in 6th and 7th grade when the work requires more abstract and complex processing which outstrips their skill set. So the age group feels to be the right one to focus on for this issue.

In my opinion, this book provides (in an engaging way) a very good window into the perspective of how a student with a learning disability can feel in a classroom, particularly when neither he/she nor the adults around the student understand the root problem. Our educational system often thrusts kids into the disciplinary system for "behavioral problems" without adequately investigating or understanding why the child is struggling so much in the first place. It is equally hard for an emerging adolescent to feel "different" from the group when the developing sense of self-identity is so dependent at that stage with how one fits with one's peers. The notion of "abandoning strategies that don't work" (i.e. getting sent to the principal's office over and over) and addressing the underlying problem are the basic tenets of good behavioral programs. Finding a student's "island of competency" (in this case her artistic skills) and giving that student an opportunity to develop that skill in school also is crucially important to buffer against the struggles he/she may encounter at other points of the day when the disability creates a barrier to success. Differential teaching (same task for the class but adjusted for the needs of certain students) is an important teaching skill set for the success of all students in a classroom. All of these themes are reinforced in this book and are true to life.

I am recommending this to patients and parents of mine who have kids with learning disabilities of middle school age as I think it is an enjoyable read and a good opening to discussion points about how to address their own school challenges.

This was such a great book, especially for middle graders that struggle or know someone that struggles. There were amazing lessons about accepting yourself, and never giving up. Teaches that it's okay to ask for help. I read this with my 11 yr old daughter, she also says it was a good book. We loved show and tell. My daughter's favorite character (other than the main) was Oliver because he was funny, and mine was Keisha because she always stuck up for everyone.

Ally struggles in school. Teachers misunderstand her and she spends a lot of time in the principal’s office. Ally also has a hard time fitting in with friends, and the class bully, Shay, targets her. Ally’s teacher goes on maternity leave; enter Mr. Daniels. Mr. Daniels is different from all of Ally’s other teachers. He seeks to understand and help her with her academic struggle (dyslexia). Along the way Ally creates a group of close knit friends. The message of the novel is strong, but the characters and settings lacked development. The novel is based on the author’s experience as a child.

Here is why I give this book 4 stars - if you are a parent of a dyslexic or LD kid - or are yourself dyslexic ... this book speaks to your heart. Is it a literary masterpiece? Not by a long shot. Trite dialogue, easy-on-the brain storyline. I'd even say predictable even for the middle grade readers - who I'm assuming are its target audience. But it's a tale of a secret, suffering path that is dyslexia. Worse than the reading gap is how many kids with this learning difference feel about themselves. I hope it raises awareness - especially, since 1 in 5 people are dyslexic. And no ... they don't see words backward.

I loved this book! A delightful story about a girl with dyslexia who has been fooling her teachers all through elementary school . . . until now. When her new teacher Mr. Daniels finally sees her talents, and understands her problems, Ally discovers anything really is possible. Helpful for those who want to understand what it means to be dyslexic, and should be a must-read for anyone who has bullied others or who has been bullied, just for being different. Great characters, great plot, couldn't stop reading. I want more!

So why are you still reading this. Go read Fish in a Tree!

I thought maybe this book was going to be about a girl with dyslexia. Instead, it was about how differences can be celebrated. I looooooved this book. The teacher, Mr. Daniels is everything I aspire to be as a mom of special needs children. The characters are so typical of a public school classroom, and the author is able to fit them together like a puzzle. What a beautiful story of unity.

"Fish in a Tree" is a good book for kids who are around the age of 8-13 who have, or are currently dealing with bullying. This story revolves around Ally Nickerson and her struggles with dyslexia and fitting in with her peers.

Ally is a student who has struggled with dyslexia her entire life, although no one had ever realized it and most of her peers took her for someone who was just stupid until her teacher Mr.Daniels catches on and begins to help her. She eventually befriends Albert and Keisha and they learn that life is easier when you have friends to support you.

In terms of characters, they are very one dimensional and stereotypical, ex: "the Nerd", "the Mean Girl", etc (I do understand that this is a book for kids in elementary/middle school).

While this story is fairly predictable for an experienced reader, it is still an uplifting story about how friendship can go very far in anyone's life. Although the story does follow most predictable underdog storylines, where the hero ends up coming out on top, it is still an easy yet enjoyable read.

I would recommend this book for any kid with disabilities, and for teachers as a source for how to treat kids with disabilites.

I just finished Fish in a Tree a few days ago, because I got it for Christmas. ( I had put off from reading it for a very long time.) Fish in a Tree was reccomended to me from my classmate in second grade. Quote from book: " If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid. " We talked about learning differences in second grade, so rhis book makes more sense to me. Great for someone with dyslexia- but also enjoyable for everyone. Fish in a Tree is a very good book to read. Great for time-passing.

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”-Albert Einstein. This is not only one of my favorite quotes, but it is one of my favorites from this book. This book is the perfect example of a book everyone needs to read, for multiple reasons.
One of the first reasons is for its ability to talk about disabilities without coming across disrespectful. It follows that main quote by saying that everyone thinks differently and not everyone is good at the same things. Not only does it talk about Ally’s dyslexia, but her friends that have different disabilities in their lives that changes how they think, learn, and even live. A great example of these kids doing this is Ally’s dyslexia and her reading. Even though she doesn’t excel in reading, she loves to draw. In her sketchbook, known as the sketchbook of impossible things, Ally can express herself and show her knowledge and creativity.
Another important part of the book is the teachers. Showing how teachers need to be able to adapt. Through her school career so far, Ally hasn’t had a teacher that really understood her. What they considered acting out was Ally trying not to seem dumb. Well then enters Mr. Daniels. Mr. Daniels seems to notice right away that Ally is different. He goes on to say to Ally that he wants to work with her to understand instead of just sending her to the principal’s office for “acting out”. One of the first examples is when Mr. Daniels gives everyone a note book to write in and tells them they can write about anything and that it will never be graded. It is just an outlet for them to express their thoughts and feelings. Their first entry is to be about themselves. Ally decides to test Mr. Daniels to see if he means what he said by only drawing a black cube. Her drawing leads Mr. Daniels to ask her why she chose to draw this. She tells him the black box represents a dark room and her desire to be invisible. Mr. Daniels demonstrates that he considers each of the student’s unique quirks good from allowing Ally to express herself in that drawing. He also shows he cares by the way that he treats Oliver. Instead of telling him every time "that he's doing something wrong in front of everyone" or yelling at him, Mr. Daniels has an "ear-pulling signal" with Oliver. Ally recognizes that Mr. Daniels not only cares about the students but that he "actually seems to like that we're different." He doesn't seem to want perfect, silent children. Mr. Daniels is a perfect example of what anyone who wants to be a teacher should strive to be.
One of the major themes in this novel is that of identity. Ally's inability to read has made her believe that she doesn't fit. Albert too experiences a crisis of identity; his size and intelligence make his different. When Ally, Kesha, and Albert are sitting at lunch one day, Shay calls them "The Island of Misfit Toys". If you don’t know what this is, it is the island of toys who have been made incorrectly in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Albert goes on to say, “something is not a misfit just because it has a different name”. I love this quote because it shows that not everyone needs to be the same. It doesn’t make you weird or dumb or a misfit to be different than others.
In the end, I think this book is perfect for children and adults. Children learn it’s okay to be different and to speak up if you have a problem. They also learn not to make fun of people that seem different than them. For adults, it teaches that we should encourage our kids/students to be different and not be so hard on students and automatically dismiss them as being rude or acting out. You never know what is going on fully right away. And remember: “Not all great minds think alike”.

Fish in a Tree is my favorite book besides Wonder and Out of my Mind. I like books where the main character is different on the outside or on the inside.

Fish in a Tree is about a girl named Ally who has dyslexia. Her teachers at school don't know that she doesn't see the letters properly, which makes her life at school very difficult. But her new teacher Mr. Brown senses that she is actually a bright and smart child. And he helps her make her year fun. Or at least makes it better than previous years.

I recommend this book to children 8+. I read this book when I was 8 and the second I finished the last page, I knew it was my favorite book. Great job Lynda Mullay Hunt

I am Ronal B.'s 10 year old daughter.

My 12 year old son's review......This is a good book to remind you that everyone is special and you can’t change that if you like it or not. Ally is very smart but she does not believe she is good enough. She meets a great teacher named Mr. Daniels and knows that she has great potential. Along the way, she made some really great friends called, Albert, and Keisha. They help her get through her problems and later on they learn that Ally is dyslexic. Mr. Daniels soon tries to figure out the puzzle to her problems. When he finally figures out that Ally is dyslexic, he tries to help her in any way he can. Ally has trouble being called dumb, and freak. The person she dislikes the most is a smack talk girl named, Shay. Shay picks on Ally every day, but she gets more and more confident about herself every day, with the help of her friends.
My favorite character is Albert because I like his humor. He also is very smart and he looks like he can’t defend himself. However, when it comes to his friends, he will do anything possible to protect them. Readers will learn that you have to have tough skin and not let everything get to you.
I would say this is a book for 4th graders and 5th graders and up. I would say this is a very inspiring book for people that are dyslexic or not, because it tells you how smart you are. It also proves that you are important one way or another <3.

Ally is a wonderful character who struggle with dyslexia is very realistic and a lot of children can relate to her. Her previous teachers made me very anger, but her new teacher is an inspiration and reminds me of the reason I became a teacher. Ally's friends also struggle and overcome their own problems and the development of this friendship reminds the reader to look past the surface when meeting new people.

I especially liked that the MC of this touching book was a military child because it brings attention to the plight of military kids who have special learning needs. It takes time to get the ball rolling with testing to get the paperwork in place to serve kids like this, and when the family moves frequently it makes it much harder to accomplish. Even though some of the characters in this book were a bit too perfect (her teacher and older brother) or too mean without any real reason, most of the characters were believable. Overall good MG book.

Highly recommended, great title, Awful book.
My 9 year old girl, who devours books, tried to read it, asked me to read it for her. I tried it. It was tedious and dull. The dialog was so fakey, it was unbearable. My husband tried to read it. He summed it up as "main character, an illiterate little girl sulks. Other character tries to talk to her. Girls says 'I'm am full of angst. Other character continues with same statement, but in more annoying detail. Little girl says 'but you have to understand, I'm just soooooo angsty." Dreadful. A waste of time and paper.

*SPOILER ALERT!* Spoilers detected in this review.

I like books that have the main charcter being different. It gives you something new. I chose to read this book because of it's odd name, and because its a seventh grade Reading Olympics book( next year). As I read, I realized it would not be the silly, unrealistic book I thought it would be. The book was actually about a girl called Ally, who struggles to read, even though she is in sixth grade. For Ally, its normal for the lettes to move around. Sometimes, she wishes that they would just stand still. Since her teacher is pregnant, their class threw a party. Ally found her teacher a beautiful card with yellow flowers on the cover. Her teacher became upset, because it was a sympathy card. Her new teacher was Mr. Daniels. He was the best teacher she had ever had. He taught her how to read, after discovering she had dyslexia. Dyslexia is when someone can't read things correctly. In all this was an awesome book, and I love it.

"People act like the words "slow reader" tell them everything that's inside. Like I'm a can of soup and they can just read the list of ingredients and know everything about me. There's lots of stuff about the soup inside that they can't put on the label, like how it smells and tastes and makes you feel warm when you eat it. There's got to be more to me than just a kid who can't read well." Ally Nickerson, 6th grade

Ally has made it to the 6th grade, attending her seventh school in as many years, without anyone really figuring out that she isn't just trying to slide by, only half trying. In fact, she works really, really hard only be told she "doesn't try hard enough." That is until Mr. Daniels arrives to replace her teacher who has gone out on maternity leave for the remainder of the year. Mr. Daniels's isn't like any teacher Ally has encountered before. Unlike previous teachers, he actually likes her "doodling", recognizing her artistic abilities and celebrating them! Ally begins to find friends in Albert, the class "Google page", and Keisha, who isn't afraid to speak her mind when needed. Has she finally found a place were she can be herself, maybe be "just like everyone else"? And can she find the courage to let her guard down and trust that Mr. Daniels isn't like all the others? Can she be brave....and ask for help when she needs it most?

Lynda Mullaly Hunt has another winner in FISH IN A TREE! I loved every word, beginning to end! She has written a cast of characters that readers will identify with from the very first page. She captures the "heart" of the story in a masterful way that will stay with readers long after they finish the last page. She doesn't shy away from the struggles of dealing with dyslexia, capturing the emotions of Ally in a way that is palpable.

When I'm feeling discouraged, like I'm not making a difference, Mr. Daniel's and Ally will remind me to keep fighting the fight! Because EVERY student deserves a Mr. Daniels! Ally and Mr. Daniels have left an indelible mark on my reading heart! I'm so thrilled for the readers (and teachers) that will "find" themselves in this beautiful book!

As a teacher, I come across students with differences on a regular basis. This book served as a reminder of the power of your words and actions in every child's life. All it takes is one adult to tear a child down or one adult to build a child up. The ones who build have a much greater impact.
The authors words turned to images in my mind immediately and she masterfully created a scene where you quickly grew to love and understand the characters.
We plan to utilize this book in our curriculum.

Great read! It was so engaging, I read it in one sitting. While it is entertaining and informative to read as an adult, it is written for students in upper elementary or middle school. Although, I am sure many high school students would also appreciate the message. If you are interested in better understanding what life is like for a child with a learning disability, this is a great book to read.

This book had a great message and a strong plot. The characters had real life qualities, good ones and bad ones. Ally (main character) has dyslexia, and at first she doesn't know that. As she learns about dyslexia though, Ally begins to work harder and harder to learn how to read. Along with this and the ride taunting of Shay and her clone Jessica, we get to see into the brain of a dyslexic child. It's a very encouraging story, although the inner thinking is a tad overdramatic. The author uses many literary tools, such as similes, metaphors, and personification. Along with her new found friends Keisha and Albert, Ally's story is an emotional and engaging story. Would recommend this book to 8-14 yr. olds, any gender. It was an overall great read! Enjoy!

This book is about so much--being a gifted kid who learns differently (due to dyslexia), being bullied for being different, being the recipient of the gift of a great teacher, and learning to be vulnerable to people who really want to connect. It's a beautifully written book that appeals to kids and adults. I have enjoyed reading this to my eight year old at night, and she has always asked for "one more chapter". It should be on every middle grade reading list--this book will endure.

From an education perspective, I believe this is the best book you can read this year. Ally is a misunderstood sixth grader. One of the first glimpses we get into her life is her giving a sympathy card to her pregnant teacher. It turns out that she is dyslexic and all she saw was pretty flowers on a card. As a military brat she had moved around so much that no one noticed. Ally acts out in class and refuses to do the work so that her teachers will think she is a troublemaker instead of the dumb kid she thinks she is. Her substitute teacher, Mr. Daniels, is the first one who seems to pick up on it. Once he does he makes it his mission to make sure that she understands that she is smart and capable of anything. He uses chess lessons and after school creative projects to help her learn with her disability. Throughout her education journey she picks up a few friends and bullies along the way. The character driven storyline is slightly sarcastic and filled with moments of sorrow and eventual joy. The leisurely pace reminds readers that this is an authentic view of the classroom and is super relatable. Ally keeps a sketchbook of impossible things and she loves being an artist. Ally’s first friend Keisha is tough and an excellent baker and stands up for her in front of all the bullies. When Albert, the super genius joins in and their oddball trio turns into a beautiful friendship between very different people. This feel good read is filled with short chapters that make this a quick and inspirational read. It is a thoughtful book that deals with serious issues, but throws in lighthearted fun and a moving storyline. I’d like to end with the quote that inspired the title of the book; “If you judge a fish on it’s ability to climb a tree it'll spend it’s whole life thinking it’s stupid.”

My teacher-heart loved this book so much! I am reading this with my first-grade son. He is an excellent reader, but I want him to always be aware of others and the challenges they face. I loved the characters of this book. The author does an excellent job of making the characters come to life. A beautiful story I was sad to finish.

Well, it can be. A great book, (& possibly the best) for Out of my Mind fans. Ally has dyslexia. She has trouble in school but doesn't tell her teacher that she can't read because the kids in her class would make even more fun of her. With the help of her teacher Mr. Dainels and her freinds Keisha and Albert, Ally learns that it is possible for her to read. As Mr. Dainels puts it, " If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life believing that it's stupid."?

Ally Nickerson, the main character of FISH IN A TREE, has a big problem. However, she has become very good at keeping her problem hidden. And while people have their suspicions, it is her new teacher, Mr. Daniels, who finally uncovers the full extent of Ally’s problem: Ally can’t read. After some testing, it is confirmed that Ally has dyslexia, and, for the first time Ally feels like maybe she isn’t stupid. And with Mr. Daniels’ help, Ally begins to learn how to read.

Although Ally is definitely the star of FISH IN A TREE, Hunt provides a beautifully rendered and complete sketch of a classroom today. Hunt represents all of the stock characters such as the nerd, the bully and the kid who can’t sit still. However, her descriptions of these characters are anything but stock; Hunt provides all of her characters with nuance. For example, Shay, the class bully, is shown being bullied by her mother after she fails to accomplish something.

Although Ally is definitely the star of FISH IN A TREE, Hunt provides a beautifully rendered and complete sketch of a classroom today. Hunt represents all of the stock characters such as the nerd, the bully and the kid who can’t sit still. However, her descriptions of these characters are anything but stock; Hunt provides all of her characters with nuance. For example, Shay, the class bully, is shown being bullied by her mother after she fails to accomplish something.

Mr. Daniels is the type of teacher that all children wish they had and that all teachers aspire to be. The concern he displays for Ally and her classmates is realistic, as are the steps that he takes to assist Ally.

In some ways FISH IN A TREE is predictable. As an adult reader I knew that things would turn out okay in the end. However, I became attached to the characters and wouldn’t have wanted things to turn out any differently. I believe that younger readers may not find it as predictable, but I think that they too will be hoping for a happy ending for Ally and her classmates.

Reviewed by Aimee Rogers

This was a beautiful book of what you hope can happen in every classroom. A teacher who can see what a student needs and a student who, although certainly resistant at first, is willing to adapt and change because they see the teacher doing it, too.

Cute story about Ally, a 6th grader who hadn't been very popular in school, and how she overcomes some challenges during the school year. Hint: Her teacher, Mr. Daniels is fantastic and knows just how to help her. Quick read!

Lynda Mullally Hunt does it again. This is Thank You, Mr. Falker in novel form. Mr. Daniels takes the place of Mr. Falker, and Ally's friends help out as well. This book captures what school is like in 5th/6th grade. It captures 'secret' bullying when the teacher turns for a second. It also captures the heartbreak of being different, and of working so hard but not being able to accomplish success academically because you simply need different, not more. Great read aloud to share with 4th-6th graders how different isn't bad.

My 9 year old daughter loves to read and so her and I both read this book at the same time and we both loved it. My daughter has a dyslexic student in her class and a few children with special needs in her grade. I think this book helped her understand the kind of struggles which those kids deal with ever day. It also gave a nice example how one understanding teacher could make a difference.

The content of the book was very age appropriate for her and I was glad that it was written so that I could enjoy it with her.

I have been reading so much YA literature this year as I revamp my classroom library to adjust to my new grade level (6th). This book was perfect for grades 5 - adult. As many wrote in the previous reviews, Ally is a girl with dyslexia who has been labeled as stupid because of her struggle with reading. While the story itself should be read by all, this book should be required reading in all Educator Prep programs and as PD for current educators. As teachers, we know how much influence we have on our students' successes, but hearing Ally's perspective was so eye-opening, especially as she explained what it felt like to be singled out. (The flowers at the concert will make any teacher tear-up). This also serves as a great read to teach kids kindness in our very diverse world.

This charming book deserves to be read (or listened to) by every kid who doesn't fit in, AND by every teacher who wants to make a positive difference in the lives of "misfit" students. It is a perfect companion to "Thank You, Mr. Falker" by Patricia Polacco. Every teacher worthy of the title will love both books.

I read this book because it’s on the required reading list for my upcoming 6th graders. This book was a great reminder as I start preparing for next year. It gave me a new fire and drive for this next school year!

As an educator, this book sang true. The difference one teacher can make in a child's life is huge, it's an awesome responsibility. This book put that responsibility in the spot light. The book is extremely well written and narration was brilliant. I would recommend this book whole heatedly. I have already given the 5th grade teachers copies of this book to read to their classes and have added the cover art and the fish in a tree quote to our school's murals. It's an important read.

I loved this story, very engaging and at times emotional, funny and inspirational. With all that you can't help but love it. I have the audio version as well and the reader reminded me somewhat of a very grown up Junie B. Jones Character. For someone who grew up with dyslexia, lived and felt it..it is a wonderful testament; and very true to feelings that I went though as well. Very, very well done.

This book has the ability to start important conversations about many issues- learning disabilities. bullying, kindness, acceptance, self esteem, and more. I feel this book is very relatable to all kinds of students and I'm sure it'll be this year's break out book. The compassion shown by Mr. Daniels is wonderful and necessary and hopefully an inspiration to teachers reading this book. I felt all the characters were realistic and ones kids can relate to.

I love this book. The characters in this book were great. Ally Nickerson was a very brave girl. Her friends always had her back when she needed a friend. Mr. Daniel’s was a super teacher. Very caring and always willing to help. Great book.

A charming education on learning, but with someone else's challenges. This endearing story taught me more, and more clearly, about the perceptions of a child with dyslexia than dozens of articles on the subject. Kudos to Ms. Hunt.

it was good. plot was slightly predictable but non the less i think every young reader should try. fish in a tree basic message is that no one is dumb. and people learn in different ways. i think it also makes kids think about people who don't seem as smart and can hopefully change there opinions. i also learned alot about dyslexicia.
every fourther and up should check it out!

Everyone should read this book! A wonderful reminder that different does not mean bad. Ally’s journey is one that is enlightening and beautiful in such a sad way and yet helps show that finding the light at the end of the tunnel is POSSIBLE!

This was an amazing book. Everyone should read "Fish in a Tree" because it is really meaningful, and it shows what it is like to have learning differences. I will always remember reading this book. It shows that even if you are different that doesn't mean you can't achieve the same thing, it just matters on how hard you work. This book also shows how there are teachers out there whose work goes unnoticed. Everyone should know how special those teachers are. This book is very inspiring to kids who don't have enough confidence. As I said earlier everyone should get a chance to read this book, especially teachers!

One word to describe this whole book is, meh. It's not the worst book, but it's not good. The plot is good but the characters are weak. The characters are there, but predictable. IT JUST ISN'T GOOD. The enemy starts out mean, she stays mean. The genius starts out smart in school but dumb in life, he ends up that way. The main character starts klutzy, she ends klutzy. The nice teacher starts nice, ends nice,etc... Seriously, just don't bother reading, waste of paper, time, and money.

Five stars

This book was amazing! I loved it. It was very powerful/meaningful. It helped me realise how hard it is for people with dyslexia and how it doesn't mean that they are dumb but that they just ha e a different way of seeing things which I personally think is wonderful. You should definitely read this book!

My teacher read this to me, and my class we adored this intellectual book. It engages any curious reader. Unlike most books benefited towards middle school drama and where the casual girl always gets the main man and popularity, perfection. Lynda Mullaly Hunt redirects this story towards a girl who has a passion for art and her brother/his dreams. This girl meets a brand new teacher who starts perswading, Ally (the girl) to read. What neither of them knew was that Ally had a common case of dyslexia. Ally and her friends Kesha and Albert work together so that Ally achieves the impossible... believing. I would recommend this book to anybody youth or elder who would love an amazing engaging fun book about the perfection of being imperfect.
-Luxa 5th grade

i sometimes feel the same. I loved it so much, it's on my number one best book list. The book meant so much to me it was epic. I am so glad i read the book. i'm going to read it a thousand more times. I wish there was a second book, anyway you should read! it's a command!!!!!!!

3.5 I guess I'm the odd-one-out on this book. I really wanted to love this book like my teacher-reader friends. But it just had too many caricatures for me. And I had trouble with how Mr. Super Teacher was so transparently favoring Ally and also the way he let hateful behaviors and comments continue from Shay. I was also irritated by how the message hits you over the head like a sledgehammer with no subtlety. For a book on learning with dyslexia, I prefer Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco.

Easy to see how the frustrations of dyslexia could lead a child to mistaken behavior. Inspiring to see how a good support network, understanding and tenacity can lead to the same child coming into her own.

for anyone who is wondering i have not read this book before but looking at the riviews i think 4stars is my guess.but my point is that the info in the discription said it was 21 pages . in my scool library we have this system called book of the week . once this book of the week on a shelf in our library it seemed so thik like 100 pages can someone please tell me if this is true

Fish in a Tree is a must read, whether you're a teacher, parent or student. It helps the readers understand how a student overcoming a learning issue(s) deals with daily life. It captured the life as told by a person who is struggling to read and an adult who advocates for the child and helps them preserve through their struggles.

If you're a teacher trying to teach Growth Mindset, then this is the book for you. Ally Nickerson goes from super insecure, to becoming the class president all by volition and willingness to work hard. At one point Ally says something like, "If hanging on the ceiling of the school after hours would help me to read, I would do it." This book is heartwarming and would be helpful for you if you're trying to teach theme, dynamic characterization, plot and of course growth mindset. I plan on teaching with this book after testing this year. Hunt outdid herself. An absolute great read. I also love that a male teacher helped out Ally, you don't find that often in media.

Honest and bravery allow the impossible! This will be a new classic in my classroom. Each year I read books about characters that have differences so that my kids can be aware, empathetic, and also find a voice when they can identify with the characters. This book is simply written with complex but relatable characters that my students are going to love!

There are plenty of reviews that go over what this amazing book is about. But I am going to just tell you that once you meet the main character, Ally, she'll be with you for life. She will make a home in your soul. Period. I secretly suspect that Author Lynda Mullally Hunt is making us readers better people one page at a time.

This is a wonderful book for students and teachers! It follows a gir!l who learns differently and how she is treated by adults and peers. It encourages people to look deeper when someone acts different and to love others no matter what. What a great message!

From the first page, readers will be rooting for Ally, the girl who thinks she is dumb. Of course, she is anything but dumb, only she doesn't see it that way. Ally can't read and tries to hide it from everyone, but when the new teacher, Mr. Daniels, takes over her classroom, he soon discovers there is something unique about this student. Ally is bright, but is obviously struggling. This is an emotional story about kids who learn differently, who find friendship in unlikely classmates, and discover that there is something special about all of us. Thanks to Lynda Mullaly Hunt for bringing us another heartfelt story that children will relate to and want to read over and over again.

One word to describe this whole book is, meh. It's not the worst book, but it's not good. The plot is good but the characters are weak. The characters are there, but predictable. IT JUST ISN'T GOOD. The enemy starts out mean, she stays mean. The genius starts out smart in school but dumb in life, he ends up that way. The main character starts klutzy, she ends klutzy. The nice teacher starts nice, ends nice,etc... Seriously, just don't bother reading, waste of paper, time, and money.

Five stars

This book was amazing! I loved it. It was very powerful/meaningful. It helped me realise how hard it is for people with dyslexia and how it doesn't mean that they are dumb but that they just ha e a different way of seeing things which I personally think is wonderful. You should definitely read this book!

My teacher read this to me, and my class we adored this intellectual book. It engages any curious reader. Unlike most books benefited towards middle school drama and where the casual girl always gets the main man and popularity, perfection. Lynda Mullaly Hunt redirects this story towards a girl who has a passion for art and her brother/his dreams. This girl meets a brand new teacher who starts perswading, Ally (the girl) to read. What neither of them knew was that Ally had a common case of dyslexia. Ally and her friends Kesha and Albert work together so that Ally achieves the impossible... believing. I would recommend this book to anybody youth or elder who would love an amazing engaging fun book about the perfection of being imperfect.
-Luxa 5th grade

i sometimes feel the same. I loved it so much, it's on my number one best book list. The book meant so much to me it was epic. I am so glad i read the book. i'm going to read it a thousand more times. I wish there was a second book, anyway you should read! it's a command!!!!!!!

3.5 I guess I'm the odd-one-out on this book. I really wanted to love this book like my teacher-reader friends. But it just had too many caricatures for me. And I had trouble with how Mr. Super Teacher was so transparently favoring Ally and also the way he let hateful behaviors and comments continue from Shay. I was also irritated by how the message hits you over the head like a sledgehammer with no subtlety. For a book on learning with dyslexia, I prefer Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco.

Easy to see how the frustrations of dyslexia could lead a child to mistaken behavior. Inspiring to see how a good support network, understanding and tenacity can lead to the same child coming into her own.

for anyone who is wondering i have not read this book before but looking at the riviews i think 4stars is my guess.but my point is that the info in the discription said it was 21 pages . in my scool library we have this system called book of the week . once this book of the week on a shelf in our library it seemed so thik like 100 pages can someone please tell me if this is true

Fish in a Tree is a must read, whether you're a teacher, parent or student. It helps the readers understand how a student overcoming a learning issue(s) deals with daily life. It captured the life as told by a person who is struggling to read and an adult who advocates for the child and helps them preserve through their struggles.

If you're a teacher trying to teach Growth Mindset, then this is the book for you. Ally Nickerson goes from super insecure, to becoming the class president all by volition and willingness to work hard. At one point Ally says something like, "If hanging on the ceiling of the school after hours would help me to read, I would do it." This book is heartwarming and would be helpful for you if you're trying to teach theme, dynamic characterization, plot and of course growth mindset. I plan on teaching with this book after testing this year. Hunt outdid herself. An absolute great read. I also love that a male teacher helped out Ally, you don't find that often in media.

Honest and bravery allow the impossible! This will be a new classic in my classroom. Each year I read books about characters that have differences so that my kids can be aware, empathetic, and also find a voice when they can identify with the characters. This book is simply written with complex but relatable characters that my students are going to love!

There are plenty of reviews that go over what this amazing book is about. But I am going to just tell you that once you meet the main character, Ally, she'll be with you for life. She will make a home in your soul. Period. I secretly suspect that Author Lynda Mullally Hunt is making us readers better people one page at a time.

This is a wonderful book for students and teachers! It follows a gir!l who learns differently and how she is treated by adults and peers. It encourages people to look deeper when someone acts different and to love others no matter what. What a great message!

From the first page, readers will be rooting for Ally, the girl who thinks she is dumb. Of course, she is anything but dumb, only she doesn't see it that way. Ally can't read and tries to hide it from everyone, but when the new teacher, Mr. Daniels, takes over her classroom, he soon discovers there is something unique about this student. Ally is bright, but is obviously struggling. This is an emotional story about kids who learn differently, who find friendship in unlikely classmates, and discover that there is something special about all of us. Thanks to Lynda Mullaly Hunt for bringing us another heartfelt story that children will relate to and want to read over and over again.

Having taught several students with dyslexia, I felt for the main character, a sixth grader named Ally. I wish I had read it 13 years ago, when I first started teaching. This book presents a lesson in compassion for others and encourages children to be persistent, even when things are difficult. An excellent story for children, parents and teachers alike.

It's a little hard to get through the fantasy part that describes the great assignments the teacher gives. I'm being facetious. I wish teaching wets really like that. But kids that need help who squeak by - this book captured that. Preservice teachers should read!

Wonderfully written. Any parent or teacher of a dyslexic child will truly relate with Ally's story. Teachers wondering why a student in their class can't or won't perform will be given food for thought about that student. All too often the lazy, unmotivated or worse yet, intellectually challenged label is given to a student who just learns differently. Thank you Lynda Mullaly Hunt for exposing the truth behind many students who have difficulty learning to read and write. Ally will inspire many students to contribute in class what you know you can and hopefully inspire educators to look deeper into a student's difficulties to determine if he/she can be helped in a different way.

Eh, well I totally see why others like it, but this book just wasn't my style. In my opinion, this book is a little boring. I do really like the quotes about a fish in a tree, but you know exactly what to expect throughout the whole book. The bully, the sidekick, the nerd. It had a goodplot, but I think this author can do better

Very inspiring! For all those geniuses who see the letters dance and the loved ones who know how truly brilliant they are! For special teachers that are able to see diamonds in the rough and not afraid to work hard to make them shine! Ally is an awesome kid and is part of an awesome alliance.

My daughter is dyslexic and this book did a great job describing her pre-diagnosis world in school as far as frustration goes in a way I could understand. Made my heart hurt a little. She's in all honors classes and understands now that that thinking differently is a strength, but that doesn't lesson the hardships in navigating the world.

A book about a great teacher will always get me. This story is told by a 6th grader and we are pulled right into her world. Terrific for about 3rd grade and up (but Lily is reading now - she can't wait). Thanks to my lovely friend Megan for the recommendation!

Dyslexia is such a prevalent issue and yet there aren’t enough books that address the topic. Ms. Hunt has written an important book that fills this niche. The story is told with warmth and humor and in a voice that middle grade kids will find appealing. Readers will be cheering on Ally and her new friends Keisha and Albert as they bond and fight their demons individually and together.

I used this as a novel study with my upper elementary students and WOW! Their insightful discussions inspired me on more than one occasion to chunk my lesson plan and just let them talk about the amazing characters and their relationships. Huge teacher win!

The book started off a bit slow and it seemed like I had read it before. However, once you get to know Ally and watch how her friendships grow along with her own depth, you feel like you know her and start rooting for her when her struggles are exposed. You can appreciate the bravery of Ally and her friends as they stick up for each other and go from being out casts to role models.

Having a son that has dyslexia this book really spoke to me. I fell in love with the characters and enjoyed watching them blossom. Looking forward to watching my son find his place in the world!:) Thank you for a fantastic read!

Bright, creative Ally Nickerson doesn't understand why she can't read. Feeling different from others in her class, she is bullied and frequently in trouble. Mr. Daniels, a caring substitute teacher, discovers Ally is dyslexic, helps her with her reading skills and to find her voice.

Sweet story, based on the author's experience.

As a teacher, this book speaks to my heart. It's always wonderful to see that "spark" when as student gets it, but this book gives you an insight into the struggle before that spark. Every teacher should read this, every child should read this!

This books storyline is amazing and it proves to kids that if someone bullies you brush it off and to not care what other people think of you. Also this book tells young children that you should all ways believe that the impossible can become possible and to never let go of your goal

As a teacher/librarian this story warmed my heart. And broke it a little bit, too. Ally is a great reminder that all students can learn, and it's my job to find the pathway to reach them. And to be sensitive and caring as they learn their own way.

A highly relatable book for adolescents and beyond. Anyone who has ever felt like a square peg on a round hole will benefit from this book. My 11 year old son was just diagnosed with a learning disability and he and I read this book together. It was just what he needed to make sure he knew he is not alone.

Important subject for teachers and students. Should stimulate good classroom discussions. Came up short for me in character development. Ending seemed a bit Pollyanna, but for intended audience, perhaps appropriate.

This books storyline is amazing and it proves to kids that if someone bullies you brush it off and to not care what other people think of you. Also this book tells young children that you should all ways believe that the impossible can become possible and to never let go of your goal

As a teacher/librarian this story warmed my heart. And broke it a little bit, too. Ally is a great reminder that all students can learn, and it's my job to find the pathway to reach them. And to be sensitive and caring as they learn their own way.

A highly relatable book for adolescents and beyond. Anyone who has ever felt like a square peg on a round hole will benefit from this book. My 11 year old son was just diagnosed with a learning disability and he and I read this book together. It was just what he needed to make sure he knew he is not alone.

Important subject for teachers and students. Should stimulate good classroom discussions. Came up short for me in character development. Ending seemed a bit Pollyanna, but for intended audience, perhaps appropriate.

I saw this book on a teacher's Instagram page and loving the quote, knew I needed to read it. I finished it in a few hours and plan to read it to my own class this upcoming year. A wonderful book about courage and perseverance.

I bought this book in the middle school section hoping I would like it. But, it turned out to be a huge ripoff of Patricia's Polacco's Thank You Mr. Falker. The beginning did not hook me, and it turned into a boring and predictable story pretty quickly. Do yourself a favor and do not read this book. Despite the good reviews, Fish In A Tree is a bland and forgettable book.

I bought this book in the middle school section hoping I would like it. But, it turned out to be a huge ripoff of Patricia's Polacco's Thank You Mr. Falker. The beginning did not hook me, and it turned into a boring and predictable story pretty quickly. Do yourself a favor and do not read this book. Despite the good reviews, Fish In A Tree is a bland and forgettable book.