Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt (published in 2016). 276 pages. 550L. R.L 3.7. Grades 4-7. This book is perfect for readers to empathize with kids who feel different and left out at school whether it is from a disability, a bully, or just not fitting in.


                                                                   

Booklist starred (December 15, 2014 (Vol. 111, No. 8))

Grades 4-7. Ally doesn’t fit in. She draws beautifully and can create movies in her mind, but she is often bullied and hides the fact that she cannot read. Now in her seventh school, she plans to pull the wool over the eyes of her sixth-grade teacher, as she has done with many other teachers in the past. But Mr. Daniels is different. He believes in Ally, insisting she is smart, and it’s almost enough to make her want to try his different way of learning. Could she actually, possibly learn to read? Filled with a delightful range of quirky characters and told with tons of heart, the story also explores themes of family, friendship, and courage in its many forms. And while a girl with dyslexia may be the center of the book, it has something to offer for a wide-ranging audience, making this an excellent class read-aloud. A hopeful and meaningful choice for those who struggle academically, this is as unique as its heroine.

Every class has its kids who feel left out for one reason or another. Worse yet, every class has those kids who leave others out or just enjoy teasing kids to make themselves feel better. This beautifully written book gripped my fourth graders from the very first time Ally was ostracized by a group of girls in her class. My fourth graders railed against the mean kids' behavior. They cheered for Ally as she found friends who accepted her. It was an authentic opportunity for us to discuss how bullying affects others and how to overcome it when it happens. I will read this every year because of its powerful message on being bullied and rising above it. An extra bonus, teachers, is that it reminds US that not all teachers take the time and patience to find the "good" in kids. 

Posted by Liz Stafford