📚 Fish in a Tree (Thorndike Press Large Print)
✍️ By Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Fish in a Tree is a heartwarming and inspiring middle-grade novel by Lynda Mullaly Hunt that tells the story of a young girl named Ally Nickerson, who struggles with dyslexia but learns to embrace her differences. The book's title is inspired by a famous quote often attributed to Albert Einstein: “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.”

Plot Summary:

Ally Nickerson has always been excellent at avoiding trouble in school. She constantly comes up with clever yet disruptive distractions to hide the fact that she can’t read. Her self-esteem plummets as she feels misunderstood and labeled as "difficult" by her teachers and classmates. Inside, Ally believes she is dumb, and she feels utterly alone in her struggle.

However, everything begins to change when a new teacher, Mr. Daniels, arrives. He sees beyond Ally’s defenses and recognizes her potential. He figures out that she has dyslexia, a learning disability that makes reading and writing challenging. With his help and encouragement, Ally begins to understand that her difficulties with reading do not define her worth or intelligence.

Along the way, Ally forms new friendships with Keisha and Albert, who also feel like misfits in their own ways. Together, they support each other and grow into a close-knit group that learns to accept themselves and celebrate their unique strengths.

Themes:

• Learning Differences and Dyslexia: The novel offers an empathetic look at the challenges faced by children with learning differences, particularly dyslexia. Ally's journey illustrates the importance of understanding and patience from both teachers and peers.
• Self-Esteem and Identity: Ally’s internal struggle with self-worth and how she perceives her intelligence is central to the novel. It explores how children can sometimes be limited by labels, and how those labels can be broken when they are given the right support and encouragement.
• Friendship and Empathy: Ally's new friendships with Keisha and Albert show the power of kindness, empathy, and finding strength in community. Their bond helps all three of them cope with their own insecurities.
• Resilience and Growth: The book emphasizes resilience and personal growth, showing that with the right tools, support, and belief in oneself, it's possible to overcome challenges.

Writing Style:

Lynda Mullaly Hunt’s writing is both accessible and engaging, making Fish in a Tree a perfect read for middle-grade readers. The narrative is from Ally's perspective, allowing readers to deeply understand her emotions, struggles, and growth over the course of the story. The book is filled with touching moments and valuable life lessons about empathy, perseverance, and self-acceptance.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Empowering Message: The novel promotes the idea that everyone has unique talents, and a person's worth cannot be measured by traditional academic success alone.
• Relatable Characters: Many readers, especially those who have felt out of place or misunderstood, will relate to Ally and her friends.
• Uplifting and Inspirational: Despite the challenges Ally faces, the book is ultimately an uplifting and heartwarming story of personal growth and resilience.

Who Should Read It:

• Middle-Grade Readers: Especially those who enjoy stories about school, friendships, and overcoming personal challenges.
• Teachers and Educators: This novel can be a valuable tool for teaching empathy and understanding toward students with learning disabilities.
• Parents and Caregivers: It’s a great book for parents to read with their children to foster discussions about differences, self-esteem, and perseverance.

Fish in a Tree is a powerful and relatable story about overcoming adversity, finding inner strength, and understanding that intelligence comes in many different forms. It’s a must-read for anyone who has ever felt "different" or out of place, and it offers an important message of hope and empowerment.