Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Today's book spotlight is a on a book I posted about on Instagram a few days ago (follow me @drhodgesreads). 

Fish in a Tree by Lynda Hunt

This book captured me from the first word. I read it in one sitting because I could not stop - that is always a great sign! This book is perfect for students reading chapter books. The content is appropriate for any age level and the writing style is very accessible to students. The voice of the main character, Ally, is clear and relatable. Best of all, this book tackles an important issue without being overt. 

In Fish in a Tree, we meet Ally. Ally is a preteen who does not enjoy school because she often gets in trouble. Worst yet, she hardly ever understands why she is getting in trouble. Her teachers are frustrated and have somewhat given up on her, and believe she is just trying to get attention. Ally is also hiding a big secret from her friends, family, and teachers - she cannot read. She is certain no one knows this about her, but it makes school difficult and exhausting. 

One day, things get really bad for Ally. Her teacher is pregnant, and the entire class throws her a baby shower. Ally picks out "the perfect card" for her teacher, but is stunned when the other teachers react negatively to her. One teacher pulls Ally aside and reprimands her, but Ally is so confused. Finally, Ally understands her mistake, but she does not tell anyone because then she would have to reveal that she cannot read. The teachers decide that Ally needs to be moved to another classroom, and she is placed in Mr. Hunt's class. Mr. Hunt is a new teacher who is also pursuing his master's degree in special education. 

Ally likes Mr. Hunt's class better - he has a much different approach to instruction, and she makes some new friends, who still do not know she cannot read. Her secret isn't as well kept as she thinks because Mr. Hunt begins to suspect something. He pulls Ally aside one day and shares his theory with her - she may have dyslexia. He agrees to tutor her to see if he can help her learn to read. And...that is the first 20 or so pages. So, you'll have to pick up the book to find out what happens next. :) 

This book is a perfect read-aloud. I truly believe many children who strive to read will enjoy this text and relate to Ally's concerns. For teachers, I think this is a good book to remind us that children may be hiding more than we know, and that approaching them in a compassionate way can make a huge difference. This is also a wonderful addition to a classroom library. Children can pick up this book independently or read it in literature circles. Finally, this book helps dispel myths about dyslexia that are still too common in our culture. Ally is bright, creative, and courageous, but these qualities get hidden by her dyslexia. 

This is a 5/5 star book for me!