Fish in a Tree: Story Analysis Quiz

Fish in a Tree: A Story of Artistic Talent and Dyslexia

"Fish in a Tree" is a 2015 middle-grade novel by American author Lynda Mullaly Hunt, which follows the story of a middle-school girl named Ally who is artistically and mathematically talented but unable to read due to her dyslexia. The story explores themes of friendship, understanding, and the power of believing in oneself.

Plot Summary and Key Events

Ally's life revolves around her artistic and mathematical abilities, but her dyslexia prevents her from reading. Her family moves frequently due to her father's military job, and she constantly tries to avoid reading tasks by using humor, misbehavior, and feigned sickness. However, her new teacher, Mr. Daniels, recognizes her intelligence and creativity and adapts his teaching methods to help her learn better. Ally's classmates, including a Japanese immigrant named Suki, a popular and sporty boy named Max, and a reading specialist named Miss Kessler, also play significant roles in her journey.

Throughout the story, Ally's teacher, Mr. Daniels, helps her overcome her learning challenges by understanding her unique abilities and adapting his teaching methods. Ally's classmates also play a crucial role in her transformation as a student, as they learn to appreciate her for her intelligence and creativity.

Author's Writing Style and Techniques

Lynda Mullaly Hunt uses a combination of vivid description, humor, and introspection to create a captivating story about Ally's struggles with dyslexia and her journey towards self-discovery. The author's writing style allows readers to connect with Ally's character and understand her struggles from her perspective.

Character Analysis of Ally and Other Main Characters

Ally is a compassionate, creative, and intelligent girl who is deeply affected by her dyslexia. She is able to express herself through her art and mathematics, but struggles with reading and writing tasks. Ally's teacher, Mr. Daniels, is a caring and attentive man who recognizes her unique abilities and helps her overcome her learning challenges by adapting his teaching methods. Her classmates, including Suki, Max, and Miss Kessler, also play significant roles in her journey, as they learn to appreciate her for her intelligence and creativity.

In conclusion, "Fish in a Tree" is a heartwarming tale of a young girl's struggle with dyslexia and her journey towards self-discovery. The story showcases the importance of understanding and appreciating the unique abilities of each individual, as well as the power of believing in oneself. The author's engaging writing style and vivid descriptions make this novel a must-read for middle-grade readers.