Book cover of Fish in a Tree

Book description

"Fans of R.J. Palacio's Wonder will appreciate this feel-good story of friendship and unconventional smarts." -Kirkus Reviews

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…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

4 authors picked Fish in a Tree as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This book is a great read for parents, teachers, and children. It's breaking down stereotypes in the field of education. It's perfect for book studies or book clubs at any level. I think everyone can get something different from this book.

Ally has fooled her teachers and family into thinking she can read. It isn’t until her new teacher, Mr. Daniels, sees that she might have dyslexia that she’s able to think of herself as anything other than dumb. This beautiful book is full of complex characters, many of whom have un-named learning differences. There are strong friendships, loyalty, and deep emotions. I had tears in my eyes through much of the story. As a teacher myself, I loved Mr. Daniels—he’s the teacher we all wish we’d had and that I aspire to be. There’s also a nasty antagonist who gets…

From Sara's list on neurodivergent characters.

Fish in a Tree is an inspirational story of one girl's courage to accept and embrace her dyslexia. It is a story that embodies the importance of kindness, friendship, and the power of compassionate teachers. Ally's journey will surely open readers' hearts and minds as many will see themselves or those they know on the page. 

If you love Fish in a Tree...

Ad

Book cover of A School for Unusual Girls

A School for Unusual Girls by Kathleen Baldwin,

A spy school for girls amidst Jane Austen’s high society.

Daughters of the Beau Monde who don’t fit London society’s strict mold are banished to Stranje House, where the headmistress trains these unusually gifted girls to enter the dangerous world of spies in the Napoleonic wars. #1 NYT bestselling author…

Ally is clever, and smarter than she believes herself to be. She also embraces her reputation as a troublemaker. But there is a reason she avoids reading – especially reading in public, and why she does not like to write. Her new teacher, Mr. Daniels, seems to understand, and perhaps even knows a way to help. This timeless book gives an enchanting insight into the mind of a dyslexic reader.

If you love Fish in a Tree...

Ad

Book cover of A School for Unusual Girls

A School for Unusual Girls by Kathleen Baldwin,

A spy school for girls amidst Jane Austen’s high society.

Daughters of the Beau Monde who don’t fit London society’s strict mold are banished to Stranje House, where the headmistress trains these unusually gifted girls to enter the dangerous world of spies in the Napoleonic wars. #1 NYT bestselling author…

Want books like Fish in a Tree?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Fish in a Tree.

Browse books like Fish in a Tree

Book cover of The Poet X
Book cover of A Thousand Questions
Book cover of Book Scavenger

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,273

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like Fish in a Tree, you might also like...

Book cover of Scout and the Rescue Dogs

Scout and the Rescue Dogs by Dianne Wolfer,

The summer holidays have finally arrived and Scout can’t wait for her adventure in the big rig with Dad. They’re on a mission to deliver donations of dog food to animal rescue shelters right across the state. There’ll be dad-jokes, rock-collecting, and a brilliant plan that will make sure everyone’s…

Book cover of Hotel Oscar Mike Echo

Hotel Oscar Mike Echo by Linda MacKillop,

Home isn’t always what we dream it will be.

Eleven-year-old Sierra just wants a normal life. After her military mother returns from the war overseas, the two hop from home to homelessness while Sierra tries to help her mom through the throes of PTSD.

When they end up at a…

5 book lists we think you will like!