Fish in a Tree book cover
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Fish in a Tree

By Lynda Mullaly Hunt

“Fans of R.J. Palacio’s Wonder will appreciate this feel-good story of friendship and unconventional smarts.” —Kirkus Reviews

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.

The author of the beloved One for the Murphys gives readers 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. This paperback edition includes The Sketchbook of Impossible Things and discussion questions.

New York Times Bestseller! 

* “Unforgettable and uplifting.”School Library Connectionstarred review

* “Offering hope to those who struggle academically and demonstrating that a disability does not equal stupidity, this is as unique as its heroine.”Bookliststarred review

* “Mullaly Hunt again paints a nuanced portrayal of a sensitive, smart girl struggling with circumstances beyond her control.” School Library Journal, starred review 

Educator Resources

  • Fish in a Tree Discussion & Activity Guide

    Download

State Awards

Recommended reading lists from your state's teacher or librarian associations!
  • California
    • California Young Reader Medal, 2018-2019
  • Colorado
    • Colorado Children's Book Award, 2016
  • Illinois
    • Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award, 2017
    • Bluestem Reader's Choice Award, 2019
  • Minnesota
    • Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award, 2018-2019
  • New Mexico
    • Coyote Book Award, 2018-2019
  • Ohio
    • Buckeye Children's Book Award, 2016
    • Buckeye Children's Book Award, 2017
  • Oregon
    • ORCA Book Award, 2017
    • Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB), 2019-2020
  • Pennsylvania
    • Keystone to Reading Book Award, 2016
    • Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award, 2016-2017
  • Wisconsin
    • Golden Archer Award, 2016
    • Just One More Page!, 2015
    • Action Book Club Recommended Reading 2020
  • Arkansas
    • Charlie May Simon Book Award, 2017-2018
  • Connecticut
    • Nutmeg Intermediate Book Award, 2018
  • Florida
    • Sunshine State Book Award, 2016-2017
  • Georgia
    • Georgia Children's Book Award, 2016-2017
  • Utah
    • Beehive Book Award, 2016-2017
  • Maryland
    • Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, 2016-2017
  • Nebraska
    • Golden Sower Book Award, 2016-2017
  • Michigan
    • Great Lakes, Great Books Award, 2016-2017
  • New Hampshire
    • Great Stone Face Book Award, 2015-2016
  • Iowa
    • Iowa Children's Choice Award, 2016-2017
  • Kentucky
    • Bluegrass Book Award, 2016-2017
  • Texas
    • Lectio Book Awards (Austin, TX), 2016-2017
    • Triple Crown Book Award, 2017-2018
  • Missouri
    • Mark Twain Readers Award, 2017-2018
  • North Carolina
    • North Carolina Children's Book Award, 2016-2017
  • South Carolina
    • South Carolina Junior Book Award, 2016-2017
  • Tennessee
    • Volunteer State Book Award, 2017-2018
  • Kansas
    • William Allen White Children's Book Award, 2017-2018
  • Indiana
    • Young Hoosier Book Award, 2017-2018
  • Maine
    • Maine Student Book Award, 2016-2017
  • New Jersey
    • Garden State Book Award, 2018
  • Massachusetts
    • Massachusetts Children's Book Award, 2017-2018
  • Washington
    • Sasquatch Book Award, 2018
  • Wyoming
    • Indian Paintbrush Book Award, 2020-2021

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