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Quick answer: If your child liked Fish in a Tree, read Lynda Mullaly Hunt's One for the Murphys, then try Wonder, Out of My Mind, Counting by 7s and Mockingbird. All feature kids who feel different and find support and strength.
Lynda Mullaly Hunt's novel follows Ally, who hides her struggle with reading by acting out until a teacher helps her see her strengths. The books below share its themes of difference, friendship and learning. Most are for ages 8 to 13, and all are real, in-print books.
Table of Contents
Quick Picks at a Glance
| Book | Author | Ages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| One for the Murphys | Lynda Mullaly Hunt | 10–13 | more Hunt |
| Wonder | R.J. Palacio | 8–12 | kindness stories |
| Out of My Mind | Sharon M. Draper | 10–13 | voice and ability |
| Counting by 7s | Holly Goldberg Sloan | 10–14 | gifted kids |
| Mockingbird | Kathryn Erskine | 9–13 | grief and empathy |
| Rules | Cynthia Lord | 9–12 | sibling stories |
| Because of Mr. Terupt | Rob Buyea | 9–13 | great teachers |
| Hello, Universe | Erin Entrada Kelly | 9–13 | friendship and courage |
| The Thing About Jellyfish | Ali Benjamin | 10–13 | science and grief |
| Absolutely Almost | Lisa Graff | 9–12 | self-worth |
| Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key | Jack Gantos | 10–13 | ADHD stories |
| Ghost | Jason Reynolds | 10–13 | sports and change |
| Smile | Raina Telgemeier | 8–12 | graphic novels |
| El Deafo | Cece Bell | 8–12 | graphic memoirs |
| Frindle | Andrew Clements | 8–12 | school stories |
1. One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
A foster girl finds a warm home with a family in Connecticut. Hunt's debut, moving and honest.
Best for: more Hunt.
2. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
A boy with a facial difference starts school. Told from many viewpoints.
Best for: kindness stories.
3. Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
A girl with cerebral palsy cannot speak but has a brilliant mind. Powerful and sad.
Best for: voice and ability.
4. Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan
A gifted girl is orphaned and builds a new family. Quirky and warm.
Best for: gifted kids.
5. Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine
A girl with Asperger's tries to cope after her brother's death. Gentle and heartbreaking.
Best for: grief and empathy.
6. Rules by Cynthia Lord
A girl with an autistic brother makes a list of rules for him. Warm and honest.
Best for: sibling stories.
7. Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea
A new teacher changes the lives of seven fifth graders. Told in alternating voices.
Best for: great teachers.
8. Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly
Four kids' lives overlap during a summer day. Sweet and funny.
Best for: friendship and courage.
9. The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin
A girl copes with her best friend's death by investigating jellyfish. Smart and moving.
Best for: science and grief.
10. Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff
A boy who feels he is not good at anything finds a caring nanny. Gentle and honest.
Best for: self-worth.
11. Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos
A boy with ADHD struggles to control his energy. Funny and honest.
Best for: ADHD stories.
12. Ghost by Jason Reynolds
A boy with a troubled past joins a track team. Fast and warm.
Best for: sports and change.
13. Smile by Raina Telgemeier
A graphic memoir about braces and growing up. Funny and honest.
Best for: graphic novels.
14. El Deafo by Cece Bell
A graphic memoir about a girl who loses her hearing and creates a superhero. Funny and warm.
Best for: graphic memoirs.
15. Frindle by Andrew Clements
A clever boy invents a new word and sparks a school-wide craze. Light and funny.
Best for: school stories.
How to Choose
For more Hunt, read One for the Murphys. For difference and kindness, Wonder and Out of My Mind. For graphic novels, Smile and El Deafo. For a fun read, Frindle. If your child struggles with reading, a teacher or a reading specialist can help, and audiobooks keep stories within reach. If your child loves the book, consider other stories about learning differences, and invite them to talk about how they feel at school. Teachers and librarians can suggest more titles. Audiobooks are a fine way to enjoy books for readers who find print difficult.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fish in a Tree about?
Ally is smart but cannot read well, and she hides it until a new teacher recognizes her dyslexia and helps her.
What is the title from?
It refers to a quote often attributed to Einstein about judging a fish by its ability to climb a tree.
What age is it for?
About 9 to 13.
Is it about dyslexia?
Yes, though it is also about friendship and bullying.
Is it a good classroom book?
Yes. It is widely used to teach empathy and growth.
What is dyslexia?
A learning difference that makes reading and spelling hard, though it has nothing to do with intelligence.
Who is Mr. Daniels?
The substitute teacher who notices Ally's strengths and helps her get tested.
Is Fish in a Tree a good classroom read?
Yes. Many teachers use it to teach empathy and growth.
Is there a sequel?
No, but Hunt's other books explore similar themes of family and belonging.
Can adults enjoy it?
Yes. Many parents and teachers find it moving.
How can parents help a child with dyslexia?
Ask the school for an evaluation, read together daily and look into audiobooks and reading specialists.
Why does Ally act out in class?
She hides her reading struggles by causing trouble so that she is sent from the room.
Is there a movie?
No film has been made of Fish in a Tree.