Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

[BJ Neary]

Fish In A Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Hunt's first book, One for the Murphys, and this book was just as awesome. Ally Nickerson can't read and has many excuses and jokes to get out of assignments for reading and writing. My heart broke for her as her teacher and principal judge her. There are some really nasty bullies in her class and Ally feels lonely and alone as she tries really hard to do her best. It is when she gets Mr. Daniels that Ally finds a teacher who invests time and effort into getting to know her and why she can't read. Keisha and Albert(misfits) help Ally find confidence and friends (which she has never had) who have lunch with her and hang out with her. I especially found it poignant that Ally's brother, Travis begins with dreams and high hopes but begins to slide into hopelessness as he struggles with the same problems in school as his sister. Strong writing, believable characters, and a realistic plot make this a book everyone should read- middle school, YA, and adults (guidance counselors, teachers)because there are so many students who lose hope in school as they struggle with disabilities and bullying. I loved the hope and resolution of this book and can't wait for another L M Hunt book!!!


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