Fish in a Tree

Travis and Ally take a special trip to a local pawn shop. Using his mathematical intelligence and knowledge of antique currency, Travis tricks the shop owner into selling two valuable coins for less than they’re worth.

The coins Travis purchases are a 1933 Walking Liberty half dollar and a Mercury dime. He gives the dime to Ally as a present and explains that he chose the 1933 half dollar in honor of the year their grandfather was born. Ally remembers her grandfather and misses him.

Travis says that he was able to trick the pawn shop owner because the man initially thought he was “a fool,” explaining that, “when people have low expectations of you, you can sometimes use it to your advantage” (34). He warns, however, that it’s important never to have low expectations for yourself.

Ally hopes Mr. Daniels will be a gentle, grandfatherly figure. When she arrives at school on Monday, she discovers that he is actually younger than Mrs. Hall. He is energetic, kind, and engaging with all of his students. Ally worries that her former teacher has told him about her trouble-making history.