Fish in a Tree

Fish in a Tree is a 2015 middle-grade novel by American author Lynda Mullaly Hunt (Shouting at the Rain, One for the Murphys). It follows the story of a middle-school girl named Ally, who is artistically and mathematically talented but unable to read due to her dyslexia. Throughout Ally’s school career, she uses humor, misbehavior, and feigned sickness to distract from her learning difficulty, doing everything in her power to avoid writing and reading tasks. Ally’s struggles are magnified by the fact that she has transferred schools many times over the past few years, as her family moves around for her father’s work in the military. Though Ally’s mother is supportive, she often works long hours as a waitress and does not have the time to look over Ally’s schoolwork. Ally’s older brother, Travis, is also loving and protective, though his own learning difficulties prevent him from helping his sister.

Ally’s new teacher—a kind, attentive man named Mr. Daniels—sees beneath the surface of her distractions. Sensing Ally’s intelligence and creativity, Mr. Daniels adapts his teaching to her dyslexia, helping her realize her unique abilities. Empowered by Mr.