Out of My Mind
Sharon M. Draper
Like Ally, Melody is far smarter than anyone assumes; her cerebral palsy hides a brilliant mind. Fans of Fish in a Tree will cheer her fight to be seen.
12 books to read next
Books Like Fish in a Tree
If you loved Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Readers love Fish in a Tree for Ally, a sharp, funny sixth grader hiding her dyslexia behind jokes and trouble-making, and for the teacher who finally sees what she can do. It is a warm classroom story about learning differences, bullying, self-worth and the misfit friends who stand by you. Short chapters, a strong first-person voice and an uplifting arc make it a favourite read-aloud for ages 9 to 12, especially for anyone who has felt not smart enough.
Kids who learn differently
Thank you, Mr. Falker
Patricia Polacco
A short, true story of a girl who can't read and the teacher who discovers her dyslexia. It is the perfect companion to Ally and Mr. Daniels.
Hank Zipzer
Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver
Hank uses humour to cover his learning challenges, much like Ally's clever distractions. A lighter, funny take on dyslexia that still shows how capable he really is.
Teachers who change everything
Because of Mr. Terupt
Rob Buyea
A fifth-grade class is transformed by an unconventional new teacher. Readers who loved Mr. Daniels will enjoy this multi-voiced classroom story.
The Year of Billy Miller
Kevin Henkes
A gentle school-year story about a boy worried he is not smart enough, with a thoughtful teacher, for readers who liked Ally's growing confidence.
Frindle
Andrew Clements
A clever classroom troublemaker meets a teacher who sees more in him. Like Fish in a Tree, it celebrates kids who think differently.
Misfits and kindness
Wonder
R. J. Palacio
Auggie starts school facing stares and bullies, and finds true friends. Its warmth and message about judging people fairly echo Fish in a Tree.
Wish
Barbara O'Connor
Charlie feels like an outsider in a new town until unexpected friends show up. A heartfelt story about belonging that suits Ally's fans.
Restart
Gordon Korman
A middle schooler reconsiders who he is and how he treated others. Funny and kind, it shares Fish in a Tree's interest in bullying and second chances.
More from strong voices
One for the Murphys
Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Hunt's debut follows Carley, a foster child learning to trust a new family. Expect the same emotional honesty and voice as Fish in a Tree.
Counting by 7s
Holly Goldberg Sloan
Willow is a quirky gifted girl who doesn't fit in, the other side of being 'different'. It shares the theme that every mind works its own way.
Rain Reign
Ann M. Martin
Rose, who has autism, tells her own story in a distinctive voice. Readers who loved seeing the world through Ally's eyes will connect with Rose.
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