Fish in a Tree

About this book

Sixth-grader Ally has hidden her dyslexia for years by acting out and switching schools, until a perceptive new teacher recognizes how her mind works and helps her see her own intelligence. Lynda Mullaly Hunt's novel reframes a learning difference as a different kind of brilliance. A grades 4-7 classroom favorite, it is used for units on empathy, learning differences, and self-worth.

Why widely assigned

This Middle Grade Fiction title, reads at early-reader complexity, typically at grades 4–7. Written in the 2010s; pairs with curriculum units on disability and friendship.

Where this book is assigned

No curriculum assignments on file yet.

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  To Kill a Mockingbird
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Common questions

What grade level is Fish in a Tree?

Fish in a Tree is most commonly assigned in US schools in grades 4–7, with a Lexile measure of 550L. Specific grade placement varies by curriculum — AP Literature and IB English Literature typically use it in grades 11-12.

What is the Lexile level of Fish in a Tree?

Fish in a Tree has a Lexile measure of 550L according to MetaMetrics. Lexile measures text complexity, not content maturity — check the grade range and content notes separately for age-appropriateness.

How long does it take to read Fish in a Tree?

It takes about 5h 35m to read Fish in a Tree (304 pages) at an average adult reading pace of about 250 words per minute — roughly 335 minutes. Faster or slower readers will vary; the estimate is a planning guide for assigning the book.

Is Fish in a Tree hard to read for 4th grade?

At 550L, Fish in a Tree reads below the typical 740–1010L text-complexity range for 4th grade (Common Core Appendix A). It is an accessible read for the grade — often assigned for its themes and discussion value rather than for reading challenge. Lexile measures text complexity, not thematic maturity — check the content notes for age-appropriateness separately.

Is Fish in a Tree banned in schools?

Fish in a Tree does not appear in PEN America's Index of School Book Bans 2022-2024. No documented multi-district removals on record, but individual districts may challenge titles locally.