Fish in a Tree by Lynda Hunt

Among its many awards, Fish in a Tree won this year's Schneider Family Award, which is given to an outstanding book that captures the disability experience. I typically love the books that win Schneider Family Awards, and this one was no exception.

Ally has always worked hard to hide the fact that she can't read. Usually her efforts involve causing distractions that get her sent to the principal's office. Fortunately for her, though, her new teacher Mr. Daniels sees through her troublemaker act and discovers that she has dyslexia. He also discovers that Ally is an extremely bright and talented girl. With his help and the support of a couple of true friends, Ally learns to read, to accept herself, and to embrace the important truth that everybody is smart in different ways.

I highly recommend this book to upper elementary students who loved R. J. Palacio's Wonder or who have ever struggled with a subject in school. Like Wonder, Fish in a Tree is a powerful book with the potential to change lives for the better.

By Mrs. N.