Characters
The Main Character
Ally
backfired
From the look on Shay's face, she can tell that her insult BACKFIRED on her.
went wrong; have the opposite effect to what was intended
How did Ally end up in the principal's office at the beginning of the book?
She gave Ms. Hall a sympathy card for her baby shower.
Why is Shay mean?
She has to get attention, she has low self esteem, etc.
Who is the author of Fish in a Tree?
Look at cover
Who is Travis?
Ally's big brother
smug
Shay looks smug and it makes it even harder.
superior; pleased with oneself
Ally's grandfather gave her what book?
Alice in Wonderland
Give a reason why Ally does not have friends in the beginning of the book.
She has moved a lot, she is afraid to share her not being able to read, she is just scared
Why does Shay start disliking Ally RIGHT AWAY when she first starts at her new school?
Ally took a piece of cake out of Shay's lunch and stuck her fingers in the frosting and stuffed a piece in her mouth.
The main mean girl.
Shay
I shake my head, feeling kind of dazed.
unable to think or react properly; not clear minded
What does Ally do when she sat with Shay and Jessica at lunch?
She made fun of Albert
Why is Travis a good big brother?
He does things with Ally, he talks with Ally, they have a lot in common with each other.
What is the reason that Albert won't fight back the bullies?
Albert doesn't believe in violence.
Name the pregnant teacher and the new teacher who replaced her.
Ms. Hall and Mr. Daniels
flustered
She is always looking for your weakness, always trying to get you FLUSTERED and force you into a mistake.
Ruffled and upset; agitated and confused
Why did Mr. Daniels high-five Ally?
She figured out the contents of the box.
Why is it so hard for Ally to read and write?
She has dyslexia
What analogy does Ally use to describe what dyslexia is like to Oliver?
"It's kind of like the letters on the page flutter like butterflies."
What does Ally's mom do for a job and what does her father do for a job?
Mom is a waitress and Dad is in the military.
scoundrel
I'm thinking Noah Webster was a SCOUNDREL and they should have put him in jail for this.
A dishonest person; a bad egg
What is Ally really good at and something not good at?
She can draw really well and can not read or write.
Why is Mr. Daniel's a good teacher?
He tries new things, positive, and fun. Mr. Daniels also takes the time to get to know his students, and find ways to help them.
What does Fish In a Tree Mean?
This metaphor represents the book’s central theme, which is about how everyone is different and has their own strengths and weaknesses. It highlights the fact that just as a fish would struggle to climb a tree, some people may struggle with certain things but excel in others.