Fish in a Tree Reading Comprehension Questions
by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Book Summary
The story is about Ally Nickerson, a sixth-grade girl who struggles with reading and writing due to undiagnosed dyslexia. She hides her difficulties by acting out and feels ashamed and 'dumb.' When a new teacher, Mr. Daniels, arrives, he sees Ally's potential and helps her understand her learning difference. With the support of Mr. Daniels and new friends, Keisha and Albert, Ally learns to embrace her unique way of thinking, builds confidence, and discovers her own strengths.
Reading Comprehension Questions
Use these 14 questions to check understanding and spark deeper thinking about Fish in a Tree.
1.What was Ally's big secret at the beginning of the story?
2.Who was Ally's new teacher who noticed her struggles and tried to help her?
3.What did Ally do for the 'impossible things' assignment instead of writing words?
4.Why do you think Ally acted out in class and got into trouble often?
5.How did Ally likely feel when Mr. Daniels told her she had dyslexia and that many smart people have it too?
6.What might have happened if Ally had not become friends with Keisha and Albert?
7.What lesson does Ally learn about being 'a fish in a tree' by the end of the story?
8.What is one important message the book teaches about friendship?
9.How can you tell that Ally's confidence grew throughout the story?
10.What does the word 'frustrated' mean when Ally felt frustrated trying to read?
11.In the story, Keisha always brought 'unique' cupcakes. What does 'unique' mean?
12.Mr. Daniels saw Ally's great 'potential.' What does 'potential' mean in this sentence?
13.If you were Ally, would you have tried to hide your reading struggles, or would you have asked for help right away? Why?
14.What is something you find challenging, and how do you feel when someone helps you understand it better?
Key Vocabulary
Important words from Fish in a Tree to discuss with your child.
Discussion Prompts
Great conversation starters for parents and teachers reading Fish in a Tree with children.
What was your favorite part of Fish in a Tree? Why did it stand out to you?
If you could talk to any character from Fish in a Tree, who would you choose and what would you ask them?
How did Fish in a Tree make you feel? Can you describe a moment that surprised you?
Would you recommend Fish in a Tree to a friend? What would you tell them about it?
What lesson or message do you think Lynda Mullaly Hunt wanted young readers to learn from this story?
Frequently Asked Questions
What reading level is Fish in a Tree?
Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt is recommended for grades 2-4 readers with an AR level of 4.3. It's an excellent choice for building reading comprehension skills at this level.
What are good comprehension questions for Fish in a Tree?
ReadBuddy provides 14 carefully crafted comprehension questions for Fish in a Tree, covering literal comprehension, vocabulary, and inference skills. These questions help students engage deeply with the story.
How can I use Fish in a Tree for reading practice?
Read the book together or independently, then use ReadBuddy's comprehension questions to check understanding. Focus on vocabulary words, discuss character motivations, and encourage your child to make connections to their own experiences.
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