Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt follows Ally, a middle-schooler artistically and mathematically gifted but struggling with dyslexia, who uses humor and misbehavior to hide her reading difficulties. With the support of her new teacher, Mr. Daniels, and friends Keisha and Albert, Ally builds confidence, improves her reading skills, and learns to embrace her unique strengths. The book contains instances of bullying and physical aggression.

Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt is acclaimed for its heartfelt portrayal of a young girl with dyslexia, resonating with both children and educators. Critics praise its compelling characters and realistic depiction of learning differences. Some note its predictability, but the overall impact is uplifting and educational, making it a valuable read for fostering empathy.

A reader who would enjoy Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt is likely a middle school student or an adult who appreciates children's literature. Fans of novels like Wonder by R.J. Palacio and Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper will connect with its themes of individuality, resilience, and empathy.

Inspirational / Heartwarming / Challenging / Hopeful / Emotional

- Fish in a Tree is inspired by the author's personal experiences as a teacher and her own childhood struggles with dyslexia, bringing authenticity and empathy to the story.
- The title Fish in a Tree draws inspiration from a famous quote 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," highlighting the theme of diverse intelligence and potential.
- The author, Lynda Mullaly Hunt, often speaks at schools and events, raising awareness about learning differences, and advocacy using her book to encourage understanding and empathy for those with dyslexia and other learning challenges.

**Ally Nickerson**  
Ally is the protagonist and narrator of *Fish in a Tree*. She is an intelligent, witty, and creative middle-school student with strong math and artistic skills. Ally struggles with dyslexia, affecting her reading and writing tasks at school, but finds imaginative ways to cope and gains support from her new teacher, Mr. Daniels, and her friends.

**Mr. Daniels**  
Mr. Daniels is Ally’s new teacher who recognizes her potential. He assigns challenging tasks to showcase her problem-solving skills and helps diagnose and support her dyslexia, boosting her confidence in reading and writing.

**Travis**  
Travis is Ally's older brother and a high school student with a talent for fixing and restoring old things, alongside a passion for antique coins. He shares Ally's struggles with dyslexia and finds inspiration in her progress to seek help for himself.

**Keisha**  
Keisha is a new and brave student in Ally’s class, standing up against bullies and embracing her uniqueness. She forms a strong friendship with Ally and is a talented baker, using cupcakes to support and communicate with her friends.

**Albert**  
Albert is an intelligent classmate of Ally who loves science and *Star Trek*. He is logical, insightful, and initially reluctant to fight back against bullies. Through friendships with Ally and Keisha, he develops self-confidence and loyalty.

**Shay**  
Shay is a wealthy and popular girl in Ally’s class who bullies others to maintain her status. Her behavior is influenced by her demanding mother, and despite Ally’s offers of friendship, Shay remains competitive and resistant to change.

Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Fish in a Tree and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Fish in a Tree Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

Fish in a Tree Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-10

Fish in a Tree Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-15

Fish in a Tree Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-20

Fish in a Tree Chapters 16-20 Summary & Analysis

 Chapters 21-25

Fish in a Tree  Chapters 21-25 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 26-30

Fish in a Tree Chapters 26-30 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 31-35

Fish in a Tree Chapters 31-35 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 36-40

Fish in a Tree Chapters 36-40 Summary & Analysis

 Chapters 41-45

Fish in a Tree  Chapters 41-45 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 46-51

Fish in a Tree Chapters 46-51 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Fish in a Tree Character Analysis

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Themes

Fish in a Tree Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Fish in a Tree Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Fish in a Tree Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Fish in a Tree Essay Topics

Fish in a Tree Teaching Unit

Introduction

Fish in a Tree Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

Fish in a Tree Reading Context

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Fish in a Tree Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

Fish in a Tree Reading Questions Answer Key

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Fish in a Tree Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Activities

Fish in a Tree Activities

Essay Questions

Fish in a Tree Essay Questions

Exam Questions

Fish in a Tree Cumulative Exam Questions

Exam Answer Key

Fish in a Tree Exam Answer Key

Fish in a Tree

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Fish in a Tree?

Reading Age

Book Details