The novel "Fish In A Tree" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt tells the story of Ally Nickerson, a middle schooler who deals with dyslexia. As the story goes on, Ally goes on a journey of figuring out who she really is, finding the courage to accept herself. Throughout the book, Hunt does a great job showing Ally’s character traits, helping readers understand what it's like for kids with learning disabilities. In this essay, I’ll dive into Ally’s character traits, how they change over time, and the lessons we can learn from her journey.
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'Ally's Journey: Overcoming Dyslexia with Persistence and Empathy'
Character Traits
At first, Ally seems like a shy, misunderstood kid who thinks she’s dumb. Her grades aren't great, she hates school, and feels left out by her classmates. But, as the story moves along, we see Ally changing. She starts to see that her learning disability isn’t the whole story. One of her best traits is her persistence. Even though she struggles a lot, Ally doesn’t quit. She finds a love for art and writing, realizing she’s got talents that don’t show up in her grades. Her creativity, sensitivity, and ability to notice things are some of her biggest strengths, and she starts to use them more and more.
Another big trait that grows in Ally is her empathy. Being an outcast herself, she quickly spots others who are struggling. She understands kids labeled as 'troublemakers' or 'underachievers' because she knows some might have learning issues or problems at home, just like her. She befriends Leo, a boy known for causing trouble, and helps him out. She shows him the patience and understanding she wishes she got. Ally’s empathy and willingness to help others remind us that kindness can make a big difference.
Perhaps Ally’s biggest trait is her determination. Her perseverance is amazing, and she doesn’t give up, even when things get really tough. She finds the courage to ask for help, and with her teacher Mr. Daniels’ guidance, she learns strategies to make reading and writing easier. Her determination pays off when she enters the science fair and gives a presentation that wins second prize. Ally’s story shows us that even though the path to success isn’t easy, quitting isn’t an option.
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Conclusion
In the end, "Fish In A Tree" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt is a powerful book about the struggles of kids with learning disabilities. Through Ally Nickerson, readers see how important persistence, empathy, and determination are in overcoming challenges. Ally’s traits grow naturally throughout the story, and her journey is a moving reminder that there’s strength in being vulnerable. Success is a journey, not a destination. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, you can learn from Ally’s brave journey to self-discovery. It’s a reminder that everyone has value, no matter their academic or social standing.
