Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt (English) Hardcover Book

Description: Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt "Allys greatest fear is that everyone will find out she is as dumb as they think she is because she still doesnt know how to read"-- FORMAT Hardcover LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Publisher Description The author of the beloved One for the Murphys (now on 22 state lists!) gives readers an emotionally-charged, uplifting novel about a girl whose greatest fear is that everyone will find out she is as dumb as they think she is because she still doesnt know how to read.A New York Times Bestseller!The author of the beloved One for the Murphys gives readers an emotionally-charged, uplifting novel that will speak to anyone whos ever thought there was something wrong with them because they didnt fit in."Everybody is smart in different ways. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid."Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions. She is afraid to ask for help; after all, how can you cure dumb? However, her newest teacher Mr. Daniels sees the bright, creative kid underneath the trouble maker. With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. As her confidence grows, Ally feels free to be herself and the world starts opening up with possibilities. She discovers that theres a lot more to her-and to everyone-than a label, and that great minds dont always think alike. Author Biography Lynda Mullaly Hunt has received many honors for her debut novel, One for the Murphys, which is on over twenty state award lists, including Bank Streets 2013 Best Books of the Year. Shes a former teacher, and holds writers retreats for the Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, two children, impetuous beagle, and beagle-loathing cat. Review * "Unforgettable and uplifting. . . . Deals with the hardships of middle school in a funny, yet realistic and thoughtful manner. Ally has a great voice, she is an unforgettable, plucky protagonist that the reader roots for from page one. This novel is a must-have."—School Library Connection, STARRED REVIEW* "Filled with a delightful range of quirky characters and told with heart, the story also explores themes of family, friendship, and courage in its many forms. . . . It has something to offer for a wide-ranging audience. . . . Offering hope to those who struggle academically and demonstrating that a disability does not equal stupidity, this is as unique as its heroine."—Booklist, STARRED REVIEW * "Mullaly Hunt again paints a nuanced portrayal of a sensitive, smart girl struggling with circumstances beyond her control. . . . Allys raw pain and depression are vividly rendered, while the diverse supporting cast feels fully developed. . . . Mr. Daniels is an inspirational educator whose warmth radiates off the page. Best of all, Mullaly Hunt eschews the unrealistic feel-good ending for one with hard work and small changes. Allys journey is heartwarming but refreshingly devoid of schmaltz."—School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW "[Hunts] depiction of Allys learning struggles is relatable, and Allys growth and relationships feel organic and real."—Publishers Weekly "Poignant. . . . Emphasis on thinking outside the box . . . Allys new friendships are satisfying, as are the recognition of her dyslexia and her renewed determination to read. Fans of R.J. Palacios Wonder will appreciate this feel-good story of friendship and unconventional smarts."—Kirkus Reviews "Reminiscent of Polaccos wonderful Thank You, Mr. Falker. . . . Allys feeling of loneliness and desire to fit in will resonate with young teen readers, as many share those feelings without the difficulty of dyslexia. . . . A tribute to teachers who go the extra mile to reach every student. . . . A touching story with an important message."—Voice of Youth Advocates "Entertaining dialogue . . . Allys descriptions of her mind movies are creative and witty. . . . The treatment of a group of sixth-graders with various quirks who face down their bullies extends the books interest beyond the immediate focus on dyslexia."—The Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books "Readers will . . . cheer for this likable girl."—The Horn Book Promotional The author of the beloved One for the Murphys gives readers an emotionally-charged, uplifting novel that will speak to anyone whos ever thought there was something wrong with them because they didnt fit in. Prizes Winner of Schneider Family Book Award (Middle School) 2016 Commended for Georgia Childrens Book Award (Childrens Book) 2017 Short-listed for Colorado Childrens Book Award (Junior Novel) 2016 Short-listed for Great Stone Face Book Award 2015 Review Quote "Filled with a delightful range of quirky characters and told with heart, the story also explores themes of family, friendship, and courage in its many forms. . . . It has something to offer for a wide-ranging audience. . . . Offering hope to those who struggle academically and demonstrating that a disability does not equal stupidity, this is as unique as its heroine." Promotional "Headline" The author of the beloved One for the Murphys gives readers an emotionally-charged, uplifting novel that will speak to anyone whos ever thought there was something wrong with them because they didnt fit in. Excerpt from Book Chapter 1: In Trouble Again Its always there. Like the ground underneath my feet. "Well, Ally? Are you going to write or arent you?" Mrs. Hall asks. If my teacher were mean it would be easier. "Cmon," she says. "I know you can do it." "What if I told you that I was going to climb a tree using only my lips? Would you say I could do it then?" Oliver laughs, throwing himself on his desk like its a fumbled football. I see the world as mind movies in my head that are silly and exaggerated. But they are private and only for me. For Oliver everything is exaggerated on the outside so everyone sees. Shay groans. "Ally, why cant you just act normal for once?" Near her, Albert, a bulky kid whos worn the same thing every day--a dark t-shirt that reads, Flint--sits up straight. Like hes waiting for a firecracker to go off. Mrs. Hall sighs. "Cmon, now. Im only asking for one page describing yourself." I cant think of anything worse than having to describe myself. Id rather write about something more positive. Like throwing up at your own birthday party. "Its important," she says. "Its so your new teacher can get to know you." I know that, and its exactly why I dont want to do it. Teachers are like the machines that take quarters for bouncy balls. You know what youre going to get. Yet, you dont know, too. I fold my arms and close my eyes. Hoping that when I open them shell be gone. But shes still there. "And," she says. "All that doodling of yours, Ally. If you werent drawing all the time, your work might be done. Please put it away." Embarrassed, I slide my drawings underneath my blank writing assignment. Ive been drawing pictures of myself being shot out of a cannon. It would be easier than school. Less painful. "Cmon," she says moving my lined paper toward me. "Just do your best." Seven schools in seven years and theyre all the same. Whenever I do my best, they tell me I dont try hard enough. Too messy. Careless spelling. Annoyed that the same word is spelled different ways on the same page. And the headaches. I always get headaches from looking at the brightness of dark letters on white pages for too long. I tap my pencil, thinking about how we had to dress up as our favorite book character for Halloween last week. I came as Alice in Wonderland, from the book my grandpa read to me a ton of times. Shay and her shadow, Jessica, called me Alice in Blunderland all day. Mrs. Hall clears her throat. The rest of the class is getting tired of me again. Chairs slide. Loud sighs. Maybe they think I cant hear their words: Freak. Dumb. Loser. I wish shed just go hang by Albert, the walking Google page whod get a better grade than me if he just blew his nose into the paper. The back of my neck heats up. "Oliver. Get back in your seat," she says and Im grateful that he draws attention away. But then shes back to me. "Ally?" I dont get it. She always let me slide. It must be because these are for the new teacher and she cant have one missing. I stare at her big stomach. "So, did you decide what you were going to name the baby?" I ask. Last week we got her talking about baby names for a full half hour of social studies. "Cmon, Ally. No more stalling." I dont answer. "I mean it," she says and I know she does. I watch a mind movie of her taking a stick and drawing a line in the dirt between us under a bright blue sky. Shes dressed as a sheriff and Im wearing black and white prisoner stripes. My mind does that all the time--shows me these movies that seem so real that they carry me away inside of them. They are a relief from my real life. I steel up inside, willing myself to do something I dont really want to do. To escape this teacher whos holding on and wont let go. I pick up my pencil and her body relaxes, probably relieved that Ive given in. But, instead, knowing she loves clean desks and things just so, I grip my pencil with a hard fist. And scribble all over my desk. "Ally!" She steps forward quick. "Why would you do that?" I can tell the scribbles to her are like kryptonite to Superman. I was right. She cant stand it. "What are you talking about? I didnt do that," I say pointing at the circular scribbles that are big on top and small on the bottom. It looks like a tornado and I wonder if I meant to draw a picture of my insides. I look back up at her. "It was there when I sat down." The laughter starts--but theyre not laughing because they think Im funny. I hear Suki sigh, so I glance over at her. She turns away as we make eye contact. Shes holding one of her small wooden blocks. She has a collection of them that she keeps in a box and I see her take one out when she gets nervous. Shes nervous now. "I can tell that youre upset, Ally," Mrs. Hall says. I am not hiding that as well as I need to. "Shes such a freak," Shay says in one of those loud whispers that everyone is meant to hear. Oliver is drumming on his desk now. Suki sighs again. "Thats it," Mrs. Hall finally says. "To the office. Now." I wanted this but now I am having second thoughts. "Ally." "Huh?" Everyone laughs again. She puts up her hand. "Anyone else who makes a sound gives up their recess." The room is quiet. "Ally. I said to the office." I cant go see our principal, Mrs. Silver, again. In the two months I was in this school last year, I was in her office so much I thought they were going to hang up a banner that said, "Welcome, Ally!" Im lucky Mrs. Hall is such a pushover. "Im sorry," I say, actually meaning it. "Ill do my work. I promise." She sighs. "OK Ally, but if that pencil stops moving, youre going." She moves me to the reading table next to a Thanksgiving bulletin board about being grateful. Meanwhile, she sprays my desk with cleaner. Glancing at me like shed like to spray me with cleaner. Scrub off the dumb. I squint a bit hoping the lights will hurt my head less. And then I try to hold my pencil the way she wants instead of the weird way my hand wants to. I write with one hand and shield my paper with the other. I know I better keep the pencil moving, so I write the word, "Why?" over and over from the top of the page to the very bottom. One, because I know how to spell it right and, two, because Im hoping someone will finally give me an answer. Details ISBN0399162593 Author Lynda Mullaly Hunt Short Title FISH IN A TREE Pages 288 Language English ISBN-10 0399162593 ISBN-13 9780399162596 Media Book Format Hardcover DEWEY FIC Imprint Puffin Place of Publication New York, NY Country of Publication United States Year 2015 Publication Date 2015-02-05 US Release Date 2015-02-05 UK Release Date 2015-02-05 Audience Age 10 Publisher Penguin Putnam Inc Audience Children / Juvenile NZ Release Date 2016-07-31 AU Release Date 2016-07-31 We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! 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