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TL;DR: Ally Nickerson is a sixth grader who has hidden for years that she cannot read well. She moves from school to school and acts out so no one will find out. When a new teacher, Mr. Daniels, notices that she is smart and has dyslexia, Ally begins to see herself differently.
Table of Contents
Fish in a Tree at a Glance
| Author | Lynda Mullaly Hunt |
| First published | 2015 |
| Type | Middle-grade realistic fiction |
| Best for | ages 9 to 13 and readers who feel like they are not smart |
Fish in a Tree is a novel by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, first published in 2015. The story is told in Ally's own voice. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, a few ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it most. The part-by-part section gives away the plot, including the ending, so skip it if you have not read the book yet.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
Ally's secret
Ally is clever at hiding that she cannot read. She draws well and thinks creatively, but letters seem to move on the page. Each time she is caught, she acts up to avoid being seen as dumb, and she is sent to the principal's office.
Shay and the bullies
A girl named Shay and her friends tease Ally, and Ally pretends not to care. Her brother Travis, who loves her, is busy with his own life, and her family has moved often because of their father's military service.
Mr. Daniels arrives
When Ally's teacher leaves, Mr. Daniels takes over the class. He sees past the trouble and notices that Ally thinks differently, which is a sign of her intelligence. He tests her and discovers that she has dyslexia.
New friends
Ally befriends Keisha and Albert, two other students who do not fit in. They are kind, curious and loyal, and with them Ally begins to feel safe. Together they stand up to the bullies.
Learning to read
With help from Mr. Daniels, Ally learns strategies to read. It is slow work, but she starts to feel hopeful, and she realizes that being different is not the same as being stupid.
The ending
By the end, Ally has the confidence to tell the truth about herself. She no longer sees herself as the girl who cannot read. Her classmates see her as a creative, brave friend.
5 Key Takeaways
- Many bright children are held back by undiagnosed learning differences, and a good teacher can change a life.
- Acting out is sometimes a cover for fear and shame.
- Everyone has different strengths, and intelligence is not one thing.
- Friendship is a stronger shield against bullying than pretending not to care.
- Asking for help takes courage and often leads to a better outcome.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- A fish judged by its ability to climb a tree will think it is stupid, and the book borrows that idea to describe how schools can misjudge children.
- Being different can be a gift, not a flaw.
- You can be smart without being good at reading.
Who Should Read Fish in a Tree?
Read it if you are a child who feels left behind, a parent or teacher of a child with dyslexia, or anyone who wants a warm story about acceptance. It is an easy, quick read for ages 9 and up.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Fish in a Tree:
- Which character did you understand best, and what did the author do to make you feel that way?
- Which scene would you change, and what would that do to the ending?
- What does the book say about its main theme that you agree or disagree with?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Fish in a Tree is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full argument, examples and style, which no short summary can carry.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Fish in a Tree, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary from your copy.
Should You Read the Book?
If you plan to read it, set aside a few evenings and read the opening chapters before you decide. A summary tells you what happens, but the voice and pacing are what make a novel work or not.
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What to Read Next
- Wonder by R.J. Palacio: a story about kindness and being different
- Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper: a girl with a disability whose mind is unseen
- Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco: a picture book about a child with dyslexia
Related: 15 Books Like Fish in a Tree You’ll Love
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fish in a Tree based on a true story?
The story is fiction, but the author has said she had dyslexia herself and drew on her own childhood.
What grade level is it for?
It is usually read in grades 4 to 7, around ages 9 to 13.
What is the meaning of the title?
It refers to a saying often linked to the idea that judging a fish by its ability to climb a tree makes it feel stupid.
Does Ally have dyslexia?
Yes. Mr. Daniels discovers that she has dyslexia, which explains her struggle with reading.
Is Fish in a Tree worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for ages 9 to 13 and readers who feel like they are not smart. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.
Can this summary replace reading Fish in a Tree?
No. A summary covers the main events and ideas, but it cannot carry the author's voice, detail or pacing. Use it to decide whether to read the book, to refresh your memory or to prepare for a discussion.