Book Review: Fish in a Tree
A Story About Looking Beyond Labels
We recommend this book for homeschool families to read together!
For many homeschooling families, learning differences and disabilities are simply part of everyday life. One of the greatest strengths of homeschooling is the flexibility to meet children where they are, adapting education to fit their individual needs rather than expecting every child to learn in the same way.
Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt tells the story of Ally, a bright and creative middle school student who has spent years hiding the fact that she struggles to read. After years of believing she isn't smart, a caring teacher helps her recognize that she simply learns differently. As Ally gains confidence and receives the support she needs, she begins to see the strengths that have always been there.
The novel has become a popular choice in classrooms because it explores themes of friendship, bullying, self-esteem, perseverance, and learning differences in an accessible way. While dyslexia is central to Ally's story, the broader message—that every child has unique strengths and deserves understanding—resonates with many families.
We asked two members of our community to share their thoughts after reading the book.
A Parent and Educator's Perspective
Alicia Marques-Jordan, Physical Education and Adapted Physical Education teacher, Unified Coordinator at Pleasant View Elementary School in Smithfield, Rhode Island, and mom of 15-year-old twins, shared:
"I first read
Fish in a Tree with my fifth-grade students at the school where I teach, so when my daughter was assigned the book as a fourth-grade project, I already knew she would enjoy it. She had been best friends and a Unified partner to a girl with a disability, so many of the themes of empathy, acceptance, and understanding differences already resonated with her. Reading the book together gave us the chance to talk about Ally's struggles, her strengths, and the importance of looking beyond labels. We both found ourselves rooting for Ally and celebrating as she began to see in herself what others eventually came to recognize."
Another Parent's Perspective
Another homeschool parent offered a slightly different view of the novel:
"Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt is a middle-grade novel about Ally, a girl who struggles with reading and writing. She is also an exceptional artist, using art as a way to cope with her struggle to accept herself and an outlet for her self-expression. The story follows her experiences in school as she develops friendships, gains confidence, and eventually learns that she has dyslexia. With the help of a supportive teacher, Ally begins her journey toward understanding her learning difference and self-acceptance.
Overall, the book does present some important topics that are worth discussing, like group dynamics, friendship and bullying, self-esteem, and the role of educators in supporting struggling students. Because the story takes place in a public school, the author leans heavily on a broader universal theme of overcoming obstacles and finding personal strengths, which is applicable across all various settings and in real life experiences. The author's intention is to make the main characters easy to relate to, but in some parts of the story the author draws on too many themes at once, making the story feel a bit watered down where it could really have the potential for deeper development.
It takes 31 chapters before dyslexia is brought up, and the next 21 chapters move quickly through a somewhat idealized resolution to a personal struggle. Readers looking for a more nuanced exploration of this theme or a deeper examination of dyslexia may find the novel is somewhat emotionally directed toward a predetermined outcome. The novel is both feel-good fiction that contains positive messages and it can serve as a conversation starter about individual learning experiences and learning differences in general. In my opinion, it may be most useful for parents who may wish to discuss how the story's depiction of self-perception, bullying, learning disabilities, and educational success compares with real-life experiences. The treatment of complex issues though is more optimistic and simplified than the realities many families encounter."
Our Take
Both reviewers agreed on one important point: Fish in a Tree opens the door to meaningful conversations.
For families who are just beginning to understand a learning difference such as dyslexia, the book can provide reassurance that children are more than their academic struggles. For families who have been navigating disabilities or learning challenges for years, the novel may feel more idealistic than reality. Even so, it offers an opportunity to discuss topics like self-confidence, advocacy, bullying, accommodations, and the many ways intelligence can be expressed.
Homeschooling families may also appreciate the chance to compare Ally's traditional school experience with the flexibility homeschooling can provide. Many parents choose homeschooling because it allows children to learn at their own pace, use teaching methods that match their learning style, and build confidence without the constant comparison that can occur in a classroom.
Whether your child has dyslexia, another learning difference, or simply enjoys stories about friendship and perseverance,
Fish in a Tree is a thoughtful read that encourages empathy and reminds us that every learner deserves to be seen for their strengths—not just their struggles.
Link to author’s website:
https://lyndamullalyhunt.com/books/fish-in-a-tree/
The Rhode Island library system has over 50 copies, as well as CD, eBook, Large Print, Kindle and a Spanish edition.
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