Fish in a Tree

A New York Times Bestseller - An emotionally-charged, uplifting novel that will speak to anyone who's ever thought there was something wrong with them because they didn't fit in.

"Fans of R.J. Palacio's Wonder will appreciate this feel-good story of friendship and unconventional smarts." --Kirkus Reviews

"Everybody is smart in different ways. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid."

Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions. She is afraid to ask for help; after all, how can you cure dumb? However, her newest teacher Mr. Daniels sees the bright, creative kid underneath the trouble maker. With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. As her confidence grows, Ally feels free to be herself and the world starts opening up with possibilities. She discovers that there's a lot more to her--and to everyone--than a label, and that great minds don't always think alike.

Schneider Family Book Award - ALA Notable - Global Read-Aloud Selection - Crystal Kite Nerdy Book Award

Author: Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Published: 02/05/2015
Pages: 288
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.80w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9780399162596
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3.7
Point Value: 7
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 172804 / Fish in a Tree


Award: Georgia Children's Book Award - Finalist
Award: Schneider Family Book Award - Winner
Award: Colorado Children's Book Award - Nominee
Award: Great Stone Face Book Award - Nominee


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 12/01/2014
Publishers Weekly 12/01/2014
Booklist 12/15/2014 pg. 56
School Library Journal 01/01/2015 pg. 95
Voice of Youth Advocates 02/01/2015 - Recommended - Better Than Most
Horn Book Magazine 03/01/2015 pg. 98
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 03/01/2015

About the Author
Lynda Mullaly Hunt (www.lyndamullalyhunt.com) has received many honors for her debut novel, One for the Murphys, which is on over twenty state award lists, including Bank Street's 2013 Best Books of the Year. She's a former teacher, and holds writers retreats for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, two children, impetuous beagle, and beagle-loathing cat.