Fish in a Tree

March 16, 2015 by margaretsmn

SOL #16

Join the IMWAYR meme.

If you do not have this book in your library for middle grade students, then get it now. I read Lynda Mullaly Hunt’s first book One for the Murphys and now again with Fish in a Tree, she has drawn me in to love her characters.

I read for strong characters, characters I can believe in, characters who speak to me. Ally Nickerson and her quirky friends are a group I want to hang out with. I was sorry to reach the end and have to tell them goodbye. In my mind, they continue on and do great things.

Ally is in 6th grade and struggles with dyslexia; although, she doesn’t know that her problems stem from a real disability. She believes she is just plain stupid. She plays movies in her head and draws in her sketchbook of impossible things. Until Mr. Daniels comes along and notices her. He reaches out to her and helps her to understand dyslexia. She believes in herself. Every teacher should read this book to meet Ally’s empathetic, caring teacher and see the power you have to change a life.

I recently read a touching post by Lynda Mullaly Hunt on The Nerdy Book Club about her own relationship with her brother which informed her creation of Ally’s brother Travis. Not only was this an awesome post, but Lynda responded to each comment. I spoke to her of my own struggle to create real characters with a deep relationship.

Here is a quote from Chapter 48 that shows how Lynda’s books are about more than the characters and their individual problems. They teach life lessons.

And looking around the room, I remember thinking that my reading differences were like dragging a concrete block around all day, and I felt sorry for myself. Now I realize that everyone has their own blocks to drag around. And they all feel heavy. (p. 245)

Posted in Books, Slice of Life, Teaching, Writing | Tagged Fish in a Tree, IMWAYR, Lynda Mullaly Hunt | 16 Comments

16 Responses

on March 16, 2015 at 10:48 am | Reply Melanie Meehan (@MelanieMeehan1)

Wasn’t it such a good book? So full of wisdom in spurts and lines. So full of reminders that we are all carrying around our different cinder blocks.
on March 16, 2015 at 5:41 pm | Reply Cheriee Weichel

If Fish in a Tree wasn’t already on my to read list, it would be now. I’ve made certain it is in my shopping cart so it will get purchased. Readers at our library love One for the Murphys, so I’m certain it will be worth purchasing in hardcover.
on March 16, 2015 at 7:24 pm | Reply Linda Baie

This is the book I wrote about (maybe last month?) that I read in a day, so beautiful, Margaret. I agree about Lynda Mullaly Hunt, she is gracious and kind. I met her last year at my reading conference, then ran into her at the hotel Starbucks, was able to have a wonderful chat. I’m glad she gave you a boost for your writing!
on March 16, 2015 at 7:29 pm | Reply Donna Smith

Sounds like this is a pivotal find for you! I’ve not read them, but maybe I should.
on March 16, 2015 at 8:42 pm | Reply Stacey Shubitz

I’ve heard nothing but praise about this book. I’ve got to get my hands on it sooner rather than later. (I’m taking a break from YA and MG right now and reading adult fiction. I’ll head back to MG and YA over the summer. Until then, I’ll let you and Melanie fill my MG bucket!)
- on March 16, 2015 at 11:22 pm | Reply margaretsmn
  
  That’s funny, Stacey. I use the summer for reading adult books. But frankly can’t remember the last one I read.
on March 16, 2015 at 9:25 pm | Reply fireflytrails

This book sounds like one I should have, and read, and share. I couldn’t do the sharing as beautifully as you though. Excellent review – or should I say tribute!?!
on March 16, 2015 at 9:47 pm | Reply Tara Smith

I grabbed an ARC of this book at NCTE and read it all in one sitting on the train home. it has since never stayed on the bookshelf in my classroom for more than 5 minutes – a special book, indeed!
- on March 16, 2015 at 11:21 pm | Reply margaretsmn
  
  I missed out on the Arc copies, but Jen Vincent and I ran her down in the lobby and got a chat and a lanyard. I love NCTE for all the authors just milling around.
on March 16, 2015 at 11:07 pm | Reply Tammy and Clare

This is one amazing book – We absolutely loved it! We love the quote you shared about all of us having blocks to drag around – so wise and so true.
on March 16, 2015 at 11:32 pm | Reply Gigi McAllister

Don’t even get me started on how much I adore this book. Truly a gift to readers!
on March 17, 2015 at 12:02 am | Reply aileenhower

I bought this, this weekend, but your post makes me want to read it asap! Thank you for honing my motivation to read it (blogging has been taking up quite a lot of time 🙂
on March 17, 2015 at 2:29 am | Reply Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Hey, Margaret! This is such a lovely post. Thanks so much–I am most grateful! Huge thanks to your friends who have commented as well. You’ve all made my night!
- on March 17, 2015 at 2:40 am | Reply margaretsmn
  
  Thanks for stopping by. I was compelled to write even though I’ve seen a lot of reviews. You are such a gifted writer. I hope you are working on the next one.
on March 17, 2015 at 2:37 am | Reply vgpratt

This is the book I am currently reading! I’m MAKING myself read it a little slower, although I read half of it the first day I picked it up. I agree with you that Lynda Mullaly Hunt writes characters that you love and feel like you know. This is already a favorite of mine for 2015! It’s fun finding people who share your affinity for a given book! 😉
on March 17, 2015 at 4:24 am | Reply Myra GB

I would soon be teaching a course on using multicultural middle grade/ YA/ graphic novels to promote SEL in the classroom to a group of teachers doing their higher-degree education, I shall definitely add this to my text-set. It sounds like a must read. Best of luck on your writing, Margaret.