Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

ISBN: 9780142426425

A fantastically written emotion-mover about making the impossible possible!

Ally has dyslexia, but nobody knows it, and those who realise something’s different with her, don’t know how to reach her. She’s constantly in trouble in her class, and sent to the principle’s office for disruptive behaviour. Ally does things she doesn’t necessarily intend to do, but she uses these behaviours to hide her inability to read, and she manages to fool even the smartest people around.

It takes an interested, caring, compassionate teacher to sweep over her like a breath of fresh air to make her realise that she is not stupid like some kids at school make her feel, and that she just processes information differently. Ally is without hope and frustrated, because she feels there is no way to cure “dumb” and that she’s a “waste of space”, but Mr Daniels helps her to understand and accept her dyslexia, and teaches her not to be so hard on herself.

As Ally’s confidence grows, she feels free to be herself and a whole new world of possibilities opens up to her.

Fish in a Tree

is a great thought-provoking read, that is at the same time an eye-opener to caregivers about how a positive outlook and having others’ best interest at heart can change the world for another, usually one that needs it the most!
is inspiration to teachers to remember that everyone learns differently and lessons should be approached with every learning-style in mind.
Children should pursue and be encouraged in the talents and abilities they do have and not be forced into a box where everybody (except them) seems to excel. They should be praised for what they CAN do, and not broken down or reprimanded for what they have difficulty with. Teachers should be careful not to use labels and be sensitive to children’s feelings.
establishes hope and opens up the reader’s eyes about the fact that reading difficulties can be overcome by learning techniques to handle disorientation.
The book beautifully describes the difficulties an un-understood dyslexic child may undergo, giving readers a better understanding about the learning-difficulty and the challenges it brings, not only in reading and learning, but also in everyday encounters with others.
speaks to anyone who’s ever thought there was something wrong with them because they didn’t fit in.
encourages adults, including teachers, to apologise to kids when they did something wrong, and explain things so they can understand better. In that way relationships are positively built up, and respect is earned and maintained.
encourages teachers

to see the child before the student
to remind students that we all have special gifts to offer the world
to foster the importance of standing out rather than fitting in

inspires readers

to “find your own grit”
to move from the impossible to possible
to move from the invisible to invincible

Ally discovers that there is a lot more to her (and to everyone) than a label, and that great minds don’t always think alike! Readers may come to this conclusion too!

Themes communicated throughout the text include