Fish in a Tree

Fish in a Tree is a 2015 middle-grade novel by American author Lynda Mullaly Hunt. It is Hunt's second novel, following One for the Murphys (2012). The novel centers on Ally Nickerson, a sixth-grade student who has concealed an undiagnosed reading disability from teachers and classmates for years. When a substitute teacher named Mr. Daniels recognizes her underlying intelligence, Ally begins a journey toward self-acceptance and literacy. The novel engages themes of neurodiversity, belonging, and the limits of conventional schooling. The moral centre of Fish in a Tree is strongest when it rewards perseverance and identity rather than selfishness, cruelty, or arrogance.

From an Islamic family lens, the useful parts are the moments that open conversation about perseverance, identity, moral courage. Parents can ask whether the characters show adab, honesty, modesty, justice, and responsibility, or whether the story normalises behaviour that should be challenged.

The main caution is that the book may still include elements that need guidance: Book content varies by chapter and edition; parents should verify themes before assigning it to younger readers. Treat this starter review as a map for discussion, not as a replacement for parent judgement.