Fish In A Tree (ToolKit)
Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Age Rec: 4th -6th Grades
Themes: Dyslexia, Academic Struggles, Friendship, School, Military Service
This sweet story introduces readers to Ally, a creative thinker and a gifted artist. However, she has a big secret she works tirelessly to hide: Ally can’t read. In an effort to fool others, she draws negative attention to herself, doing anything she can to distract people from the truth. As the protagonist, Ally’s journey will resonate with readers, helping them empathize with students who are embarrassed of their learning struggles.
This story takes a significant turn when Ally’s teacher goes on maternity leave. Her new teacher, Mr. Daniels, reads between the lines and recognizes that Ally is trying to hide her inability to read. Finally being seen, and having her intelligence acknowledged – something even Ally hadn’t recognized herself - builds trust and allows her to open up and be vulnerable about her struggles. As Ally begins to understand that she has dyslexia and how it has inhibited her ability to learn letters and ultimately read as easily as her peers, she also builds confidence and forms new friendships.
This is a heartwarming tale, that even if not personally relatable, will resonate with readers as learners. We all have different forms of intelligence and unique struggles. However, our deficits do not define us; it is our “grit” and determination to persevere that matter most.
Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Age Rec: 4th -6th Grades
Themes: Dyslexia, Academic Struggles, Friendship, School, Military Service
This sweet story introduces readers to Ally, a creative thinker and a gifted artist. However, she has a big secret she works tirelessly to hide: Ally can’t read. In an effort to fool others, she draws negative attention to herself, doing anything she can to distract people from the truth. As the protagonist, Ally’s journey will resonate with readers, helping them empathize with students who are embarrassed of their learning struggles.
This story takes a significant turn when Ally’s teacher goes on maternity leave. Her new teacher, Mr. Daniels, reads between the lines and recognizes that Ally is trying to hide her inability to read. Finally being seen, and having her intelligence acknowledged – something even Ally hadn’t recognized herself - builds trust and allows her to open up and be vulnerable about her struggles. As Ally begins to understand that she has dyslexia and how it has inhibited her ability to learn letters and ultimately read as easily as her peers, she also builds confidence and forms new friendships.
This is a heartwarming tale, that even if not personally relatable, will resonate with readers as learners. We all have different forms of intelligence and unique struggles. However, our deficits do not define us; it is our “grit” and determination to persevere that matter most.
Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Age Rec: 4th -6th Grades
Themes: Dyslexia, Academic Struggles, Friendship, School, Military Service
This sweet story introduces readers to Ally, a creative thinker and a gifted artist. However, she has a big secret she works tirelessly to hide: Ally can’t read. In an effort to fool others, she draws negative attention to herself, doing anything she can to distract people from the truth. As the protagonist, Ally’s journey will resonate with readers, helping them empathize with students who are embarrassed of their learning struggles.
This story takes a significant turn when Ally’s teacher goes on maternity leave. Her new teacher, Mr. Daniels, reads between the lines and recognizes that Ally is trying to hide her inability to read. Finally being seen, and having her intelligence acknowledged – something even Ally hadn’t recognized herself - builds trust and allows her to open up and be vulnerable about her struggles. As Ally begins to understand that she has dyslexia and how it has inhibited her ability to learn letters and ultimately read as easily as her peers, she also builds confidence and forms new friendships.
This is a heartwarming tale, that even if not personally relatable, will resonate with readers as learners. We all have different forms of intelligence and unique struggles. However, our deficits do not define us; it is our “grit” and determination to persevere that matter most.