Fish in a Tree

Lynda Mullaly Hunt wrote One for the Murphys, an audiobook I enjoyed. So when I saw she had written Fish in a Tree, I immediately picked it up to read.

I was not disappointed.

Ally, the main character, has never done well in school. Usually, she’s able to distract the teacher by acting out. Plus, her family moves fairly frequently, so as long as she lays low, maybe no one will notice she has a hard time reading and writing.

But when Mrs. Hall leaves school on maternity leave, Mr. Daniels takes over her class.

And Mr. Daniels won’t let Ally hide. Or distract him.

Eventually, he breaks through Ally’s shell and gains her trust. And Ally realizes she can do better in school. And even learn to read!
It’s an exciting day for Ally. One she wants to share. Maybe she can even help her beloved older brother!

I loved Fish in a Tree. Hunt does a wonderful job showing Ally’s emotions – her embarrassment, which often shows up to everyone else as anger, her frustration, which also exhibits as anger.

This book is great for kids who may have a hard time in school, for those who find school easy, and for adults who get frustrated with kids who don’t fit the mold. It’s so helpful to read a great book, like this one, to help gain a new perspective of life.

Highly recommended for ages 8 and up.