Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book. 1. What would you include in your own Sketchbook of Impossible Things? 2. If you designed a classroom like Mr. Daniels’s that accommodates different learning styles, what features and activities would you incorporate to ensure that all students could discover their strengths? 3. If Fish in a Tree had a sequel following Ally into high school, what new challenges and triumphs might she encounter as she continues to develop her confidence and abilities? Need more inspiration for your next meeting? <a href="https://www.supersummary.com/resources/#book-club-resources" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Browse all of our Book Club Resources</a>.

Creative Engagement

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of bullying and ableism. Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book. 1. The title Fish in a Tree comes from the Einstein quote that Mr. Daniels shares about judging a fish by its ability to climb a tree. Which aspects of this <a href="https://www.supersummary.com/metaphor/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">metaphor</a> resonated most strongly with you throughout the novel? 2. If you’ve read Lynda Mullaly Hunt’s other works, which include <a href="https://www.supersummary.com/one-for-the-murphys/summary/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">One for the Murphys</a> and <a href="https://www.supersummary.com/shouting-at-the-rain/summary/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shouting at the Rain</a>, what similarities and differences do you notice (between those books and Fish in a Tree) in her portrayal of young people facing difficult circumstances? 3. Which character’s journey affected you most deeply? Did your feelings toward any character shift significantly during the story? Why?

General Impressions

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism. 1. What <a href="https://www.supersummary.com/literary-devices/#narrative" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">narrative techniques</a> does Hunt use to immerse readers in Ally’s experience of dyslexia? 2. Consider Ally’s comparison of people to chess pieces in Chapter 36. What does this <a href="https://www.supersummary.com/metaphor/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">metaphor</a> reveal about her understanding of power and relationships? 3. In what ways does Lewis Carroll’s book <a href="https://www.supersummary.com/alice-s-adventures-in-wonderland/summary/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland</a> both comfort and serve as a <a href="https://www.supersummary.com/fish-in-a-tree/symbols-and-motifs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">symbol</a> for Ally throughout the story? 4. Compare Hunt’s examination of learning differences in this book with other novels that explore difference and acceptance, such as R. J. Palacio’s <a href="https://www.supersummary.com/wonder/summary/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wonder</a>. 5. Examine the transformation of Ally’s “<a href="https://www.supersummary.com/fish-in-a-tree/symbols-and-motifs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sketchbook of Impossible Things</a>” (266) from the beginning to the end of the novel. The book begins as an escape but evolves into something different: What does this change symbolize about Ally’s internal journey?

Literary Analysis

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences. 1. Ally describes feeling simultaneously invisible yet exposed in the classroom. When have you experienced this same <a href="https://www.supersummary.com/literary-devices/#rhetoric-persuasive" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">paradox</a> in your life? 2. What challenges have you experienced that felt like Ally’s bike <a href="https://www.supersummary.com/analogy/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">analogy</a>, when “every single time you got on your bike, you had to worry that the wheels would come off” (138)? 3. Has someone adapted their approach to help you understand something difficult? If so, explain the impact of that experience. 4. What creative or mental strategies similar to Ally’s “mind movies” have you developed to navigate difficult situations? 5. Albert stands up to bullies only when they threaten his friends, despite his principle against violence. Have you ever had to reconsider a personal value when facing a difficult situation? 6. When have you or someone you know found success outside conventional paths, similar to Travis’s discovery of his mechanical abilities?

Personal Reflection and Connection

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes. 1. What progress do you think society has made in understanding and accommodating learning differences since the period in which the novel is <a href="https://www.supersummary.com/setting/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">set</a>? 2. The novel portrays the challenges facing military families who move frequently. What support systems might better serve children in similar situations today? 3. Mr. Daniels shares that many accomplished historical figures likely had dyslexia. Why does this kind of representation matter in educational settings and broader society?

Societal and Cultural Context

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Lynda Mullaly Hunt

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Before You Read

Explore Fish in a Tree reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Fish in a Tree | SuperSummary

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Overview

Get ready to explore Fish in a Tree and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Fish in a Tree Summary and Study Guide

About Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Fish in a Tree About Lynda Mullaly Hunt

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

Fish in a Tree Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-10

Fish in a Tree Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-15

Fish in a Tree Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-20

Fish in a Tree Chapters 16-20 Summary & Analysis

 Chapters 21-25

Fish in a Tree  Chapters 21-25 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 26-30

Fish in a Tree Chapters 26-30 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 31-35

Fish in a Tree Chapters 31-35 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 36-40

Fish in a Tree Chapters 36-40 Summary & Analysis

 Chapters 41-45

Fish in a Tree  Chapters 41-45 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 46-51

Fish in a Tree Chapters 46-51 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Fish in a Tree Character Analysis

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Themes

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Fish in a Tree Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

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Introduction

Fish in a Tree Teacher Introduction

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Reading Context

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Fish in a Tree Reading Questions & Paired Texts

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Fish in a Tree Essay Questions

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Fish in a Tree Exam Answer Key

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