Oh my goodness. I wish this book was mandatory for every 4th and 5th grader. No, wait it really should be mandatory for everyone. Can you tell we loved it.
Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt is about typical kids you meet in a class room, all with different strengths and different weaknesses. You know the quote, “If you judge a fish by his ability to climb a tree he will believe he is dumb all his life.” (Or something like that.) The book is a lesson in playing to your strengths, and realizing you are not dumb.
As readers we get to listen in on the thoughts of Ally, who thinks she is dumb but really is very insightful and intelligent. She is also good at making friends, which is a skill you can use to benefit your life forever. Lucky for her a teacher enters her life who shows her she is very smart indeed.
We laughed, I cried– tears of joy! There are a lot of life lessons here. When Ally realizes the friendship bracelets she wishes someone would share with her have actually been purchased, it is a revelation I wish every child who feels left our or insecure could experience. And they can! Right here. It’s worth reading out loud so you can discuss it and know your kids heard what you heard and you can hear what they hear.
I think we will read it again before 6th grade. So good.
Happy reading!
