A Fish in a Tree – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

A Fish in a Tree

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2015

92%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

The ultimate 'you're not stupid' book for every kid who feels like a square peg in a round-hole school system.

A Fish in a Tree

book

2015

92%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

The ultimate 'you're not stupid' book for every kid who feels like a square peg in a round-hole school system.

4.7

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Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

If your kid is currently doing the 'I hate school' dance or feels like they're falling behind, buy this book. It's not some dusty classic—it was written in 2015 and feels totally current.

It avoids the 'after-school special' cheese while still delivering a massive dose of perspective. It’s one of those rare books that can actually change how a kid views their own brain. Even if they aren't dyslexic, the message that 'everyone is a genius in a different way' is a solid antidote to the standardized testing grind.

Age Fit

Perfect for 4th through 7th graders. It's the sweet spot for kids starting to feel the social pressure of middle school and those who might be struggling with 'hidden' learning differences.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It’s centered on emotional growth, the power of a great teacher, and finding your tribe. It handles the 'mean girl' trope realistically without being toxic, and the family dynamics are supportive even when they're stressed.

Imaginative

While it's realistic fiction, Ally’s 'mind movies' and her non-linear way of problem-solving celebrate a different kind of creativity. It encourages kids to think about how they think.

Safe

Extremely safe. The 'danger' here is social—bullying and the fear of being found out. No language concerns or inappropriate content for the middle-grade set.

Enriching

This is the gold standard for teaching empathy toward neurodiversity. It gives kids (and parents) a vocabulary for dyslexia that isn't just 'can't read.'

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Ally’s 'mind movies' are a brilliant way to show kids that being 'smart' doesn't always look like getting an A on a spelling test.
Mr. Daniels is the MVP teacher who actually notices the kid in the back of the room rather than just punishing them.
It tackles the reality of being 'the poor kid' and 'the weird kid' with a lot of dignity and zero condescension.
The friendship between Ally, Keisha, and Albert is a great model of a 'misfit' squad that actually has each other's backs.

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What to Watch For

The bullying from Shay can be genuinely sharp and cruel; it might sting for kids currently going through it.
Ally’s internal monologue is pretty self-deprecating at the start, which is realistic for dyslexia but can be heavy for sensitive readers.

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Ally spent so much energy trying to trick people into thinking she could read instead of just asking for help?"
"Which character did you relate to more: the one who wants to fit in or the one who stopped caring about fitting in?"
"If you were the teacher, how would you handle a 'mean girl' like Shay?"
"What’s something you’re amazing at that doesn't involve a school subject?"

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