Fish in a Tree (originale 2015; edizione 2015)

Ally Nickerson is having a difficult year. Finding new friends in a new school, grieving for her recently departed grandfather, missing her deployed dad, and trying to hide her inability to read from classmates and teachers alike. She's a smart, talented girl and this is a solid book about figuring out what is important and finding ways to stand up for yourself.



Advance copy provided by Edelwiess ( )

I loved this book ( )

It may be that it is still so fresh in my mind, but I believe that this book is one all educators should read. Ally's story of struggle and perseverance is incredible. It's easy as an adult to forget how difficult being a young student can be and while the challenges may seem "easy" to an adult, it's good to have a reminder of what it actually felt like. The characters are all very believable and relatable. I love them all and wish I could meet them.

( )

This book is told from the point of view of an elementary school student named Ally. Ally has a hard time with school, and when she hears their class is going to get a new teacher she is worried. Ally has gone to a lot of schools and had several teachers, but none of them have really caught on to how much she struggles with reading. When Mr. Daniels arrives she is wary, but she soon finds that he has taken a genuine interest in her and he even seems to find ways for her to excel, without having to read or write. He eventually helps her discover that she has a reading disorder and that with extra help she can learn. This book was a great way to see into the struggles of someone with a "hidden" disability who has fallen through the cracks of the educational system. The dedication of the teacher to take the time to notice Ally's struggles and figure out ways to help her was inspirational and heartwarming. So was Ally's courage as she learned to accept and trust in the help that was being given. I would definitely recommend this book, not just for younger readers but also for those interested in literacy issues. ( )

children's fiction (realistic fiction/dyslexic 6th grader with military parent, trying to fit in at school). Just about every other chapter made me cry--what's the big idea, LMH? ( )