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Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
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Fish in a Tree (original 2015; edition 2015)

by Lynda Mullaly Hunt (Author)

MembersReviewsPopularityAverage ratingMentions
2,5141525,858 (4.29)23
This was a family listen in the car and though it trends a little young for my boys, they both enjoyed it. Ally Nickerson is a 6th-grade girl with dyslexia, which she doesn't know yet. All she knows is she hates school and finds the written homework near impossible, is the object of the "cool girls'" (Shay and Jessica) derision, is frequently in the principal's office and thinks of herself as stupid. She is also dealing with the recent death of a beloved grandfather and the deployment of her own father overseas in the military. Ally's Mom is supportive, but overburdened and her older, high-school brother Travis is her biggest fan. Ally and Travis both have non-traditional intelligence. She is an amazing artist and sees "mind-movies" for much of the day-to-day situations in her life, which are insightful and creative, but have the effect of making her seemed "zoned out" and not paying attention. Travis is a fantastic mechanic and excels in his shop class and his after-school job at the garage. The story does not reveal the learning difference immediately, though the reader can guess. Instead it is shown little by little through Ally's first-person narration and reaction to events. When she gives her pregnant teacher a Sympathy card (Ally picked it for the flowers on the front) at her class shower/party, it becomes crystal clear to the reader, but surprisingly not to the adults. That is the only criticism of the book: that she could make it to 6th grade with so many school issues and not be discovered/diagnosed seemed a little far-fetched -- though sadly, probably realistic. Also the students portrayed in Ally's class definitely seem younger than 6th grade, (except for the mean girls -- they seem right on!) and the students don't change classes but stay with one teacher all day, which doesn't seem to be the norm for what is typically middle school or junior high. A 4th or 5th grade setting would've been more believable. When Ally's teacher takes her maternity leave and Mr. Daniels steps in to sub, Ally's life and world change. He is the classic "good" teacher who takes an individual interest in his students, quells the bullying, promotes fun, meaningful learning and ultimately discovers Ally's secret and helps her overcome it. In the process, she becomes friends with Albert and Keisha, 2 other misfits in the class whose own gifts become evident and valued as well. Well-written and thoughtful, this book does a good job of examining the feelings and situations surrounding dyslexia. Ally's transformation is beautiful and touching. She shares some of her grandfather's wisdom: "Be careful with eggs and words because neither can ever be fixed." The additional meaning this has for her really resonates. ( )
  CarrieWuj | Oct 24, 2020 |
English (149)  Italian (1)  German (1)  Spanish (1)  All languages (152)
Showing 1-25 of 149 (next | show all)
Ally Nickerson has been in 7 schools during the last 7 years. She has learned many survival skills to cover up the fact that she can not read or write like her peers. Her current teacher (who Ally is sure does not like her at all) goes on maternity leave and the substitute teacher gets to know Ally. He is able to find those things that Ally is really good at (math!) Ally also fiends a group of friends, who are often referred to as the misfits, but they form a solid friend group.
  KimAMoore | Jul 16, 2023 |
Hunt draws a portrait of dyslexia and getting along.

Ally Nickerson, who’s passed through seven schools in seven years, maintains a Sketchbook of Impossible Things. A snowman in a furnace factory is more plausible than imagining herself doing something right—like reading. She doesn't know why, but letters dance and give her headaches. Her acting out to disguise her difficulty causes headaches for her teachers, who, oddly, never consider dyslexia, even though each notices signs like inconsistent spellings of the same word. Ally's confusion is poignant when misunderstandings like an unintentional sympathy card for a pregnant teacher make her good intentions backfire, and readers will sympathize as she copes with the class "mean girls." When a creative new teacher, Mr. Daniels, steps in, the plot turns more uplifting but also metaphor-heavy; a coin with a valuable flaw, cupcakes with hidden letters, mystery boxes and references to the Island of Misfit Toys somewhat belabor the messages that things aren't always what they seem and everyone is smart in their own ways. Despite emphasis on "thinking outside the box," characters are occasionally stereotypical—a snob, a brainiac, an unorthodox teacher—but 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 (2012) will appreciate this feel-good story of friendship and unconventional smarts. (Fiction. 10-12)

-Kirkus Review
  CDJLibrary | Jun 10, 2023 |
I liked the premise of this book a lot, but I think I would have liked it a lot more if I'd read it rather than listened to the audiobook. The audiobook was fine, but sometimes it made the characters seem more like caricatures of people rather than fully developed characters. There were just some moments when their dialogue didn't seem like what a kid would actually say. That said, it's still definitely a book worth reading. Great underdog story about learning to believe in yourself and not let other people's opinions (or what you THINK other people's opinions are) have an impact on how you see yourself. ( )
  kerribrary | Mar 5, 2023 |
Ally is a young girl that moves around a lot since her dad is in the military. She uses humor, misbehavior, and fakes sickness to distract from her learning difficulty, doing everything she can to avoid writing and reading tasks. Though she is artistically and mathematically gifted, due to her dyslexia, she cannot read. ( )
  ashlieM | Nov 18, 2022 |
This book would be the perfect choice for my older students. It is a very inspiring book start to finish. The world of science can be a hard place, but paired with the right partner you could just ace it! This book shows students how having different qualities can help them get the same answer. one may be creative, one may be intelligent, and one may think differently but all contribute to the same work. ( )
  RebeccaPlante | Nov 16, 2022 |
This book centers around Ally who has jumped from school to school hiding the fact that she can’t read. While she is afraid to ask for help and instead causes trouble, her teacher sees more to her than the trouble she creates. When he is able to help, Ally learns that her dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. I think this would be great for middle schoolers since a lot of them can relate to Ally and her different learning ability. ( )
  cmb064 | Nov 13, 2022 |
RGG: You'll want to be Ally's friend after you meet this funny, smart girl who bravely fights to learn to read with dyslexia.
  rgruberexcel | Sep 18, 2022 |
RGG: You'll want to be Ally's friend after you meet this funny, smart girl who bravely fights to learn to read with dyslexia.
  rgruberexcel | Sep 18, 2022 |
RGG: You'll want to be Ally's friend after you meet this funny, smart girl who bravely fights to learn to read with dyslexia.
  rgruberexcel | Sep 18, 2022 |
RGG: You'll want to be Ally's friend after you meet this funny, smart girl who bravely fights to learn to read with dyslexia.
  rgruberexcel | Sep 18, 2022 |
RGG: You'll want to be Ally's friend after you meet this funny, smart girl who bravely fights to learn to read with dyslexia.
  rgruberexcel | Sep 18, 2022 |
RGG: You'll want to be Ally's friend after you meet this funny, smart girl who bravely fights to learn to read with dyslexia.
  rgruberexcel | Sep 18, 2022 |
RGG: You'll want to be Ally's friend after you meet this funny, smart girl who bravely fights to learn to read with dyslexia.
  rgruberexcel | Sep 18, 2022 |
RGG: You'll want to be Ally's friend after you meet this funny, smart girl who bravely fights to learn to read with dyslexia.
  rgruberexcel | Sep 18, 2022 |
Ally Nickerson is having a difficult year. Finding new friends in a new school, grieving for her recently departed grandfather, missing her deployed dad, and trying to hide her inability to read from classmates and teachers alike. She's a smart, talented girl and this is a solid book about figuring out what is important and finding ways to stand up for yourself.



Advance copy provided by Edelwiess ( )
  jennybeast | Apr 14, 2022 |
I loved this book ( )
  salsburys1 | Mar 13, 2022 |
It may be that it is still so fresh in my mind, but I believe that this book is one all educators should read. Ally's story of struggle and perseverance is incredible. It's easy as an adult to forget how difficult being a young student can be and while the challenges may seem "easy" to an adult, it's good to have a reminder of what it actually felt like. The characters are all very believable and relatable. I love them all and wish I could meet them.

( )
  LectricLibrary | Feb 16, 2022 |
This book is told from the point of view of an elementary school student named Ally. Ally has a hard time with school, and when she hears their class is going to get a new teacher she is worried. Ally has gone to a lot of schools and had several teachers, but none of them have really caught on to how much she struggles with reading. When Mr. Daniels arrives she is wary, but she soon finds that he has taken a genuine interest in her and he even seems to find ways for her to excel, without having to read or write. He eventually helps her discover that she has a reading disorder and that with extra help she can learn. This book was a great way to see into the struggles of someone with a "hidden" disability who has fallen through the cracks of the educational system. The dedication of the teacher to take the time to notice Ally's struggles and figure out ways to help her was inspirational and heartwarming. So was Ally's courage as she learned to accept and trust in the help that was being given. I would definitely recommend this book, not just for younger readers but also for those interested in literacy issues. ( )
1 vote debs4jc | Jan 27, 2022 |
children's fiction (realistic fiction/dyslexic 6th grader with military parent, trying to fit in at school). Just about every other chapter made me cry--what's the big idea, LMH? ( )
  reader1009 | Jul 3, 2021 |
This inclusive text follows the story of a girl named Ally, who has always felt like she was different than other students. With the help of her teacher, she learns to embrace her dyslexia and prove to people that anything is possible. Not only would this be a great read for those who are dyslexic, but it would also be a great book to educate students on what having dyslexia is like. This can also be an insightful read for teachers as it gives us a glimpse of what students may struggle with. This book would be fitting for those in upper elementary or middle school. ( )
  sobiec | Apr 23, 2021 |
An amazing book that I think all future teachers should read. It talks about a young girl named Ally who navigates middle school while dealing/discovering her learning disability. I believe this book is great form middle schoolers and up. It touches topics such as empathy, family, school, friendships. I can include this book to do a book club where students read chapter of the book and discuss different ideas. ( )
  Adelmi | Apr 19, 2021 |
Ally is an elementary student with Dyslexia. Her teacher notices that she is struggling and does his best to help her. He works with her everyday after school. He helps her to overcome some of her reading issues. This book is relatable to every person with Dyslexia. ( )
  Abbyd70 | Apr 18, 2021 |
This was a family listen in the car and though it trends a little young for my boys, they both enjoyed it. Ally Nickerson is a 6th-grade girl with dyslexia, which she doesn't know yet. All she knows is she hates school and finds the written homework near impossible, is the object of the "cool girls'" (Shay and Jessica) derision, is frequently in the principal's office and thinks of herself as stupid. She is also dealing with the recent death of a beloved grandfather and the deployment of her own father overseas in the military. Ally's Mom is supportive, but overburdened and her older, high-school brother Travis is her biggest fan. Ally and Travis both have non-traditional intelligence. She is an amazing artist and sees "mind-movies" for much of the day-to-day situations in her life, which are insightful and creative, but have the effect of making her seemed "zoned out" and not paying attention. Travis is a fantastic mechanic and excels in his shop class and his after-school job at the garage. The story does not reveal the learning difference immediately, though the reader can guess. Instead it is shown little by little through Ally's first-person narration and reaction to events. When she gives her pregnant teacher a Sympathy card (Ally picked it for the flowers on the front) at her class shower/party, it becomes crystal clear to the reader, but surprisingly not to the adults. That is the only criticism of the book: that she could make it to 6th grade with so many school issues and not be discovered/diagnosed seemed a little far-fetched -- though sadly, probably realistic. Also the students portrayed in Ally's class definitely seem younger than 6th grade, (except for the mean girls -- they seem right on!) and the students don't change classes but stay with one teacher all day, which doesn't seem to be the norm for what is typically middle school or junior high. A 4th or 5th grade setting would've been more believable. When Ally's teacher takes her maternity leave and Mr. Daniels steps in to sub, Ally's life and world change. He is the classic "good" teacher who takes an individual interest in his students, quells the bullying, promotes fun, meaningful learning and ultimately discovers Ally's secret and helps her overcome it. In the process, she becomes friends with Albert and Keisha, 2 other misfits in the class whose own gifts become evident and valued as well. Well-written and thoughtful, this book does a good job of examining the feelings and situations surrounding dyslexia. Ally's transformation is beautiful and touching. She shares some of her grandfather's wisdom: "Be careful with eggs and words because neither can ever be fixed." The additional meaning this has for her really resonates. ( )
  CarrieWuj | Oct 24, 2020 |
Showing 1-25 of 149 (next | show all)

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