This is a "sneak peek" version of the book which was published Feb 2015 and rec'd from NetGalley for review.

Fish in a Tree by Nancy Paulsen
Middle school. Ages 10 and up/grade 5

Chapters 1-8 were made available to me.
Immediately, it reminds me of a few middle school books I've read with the same theme of fitting in. The challenges kids face when at school with conditions which aren't obvious to the eye. I don't think we can ever over address the issues of acceptance and tolerance when it comes to our children.

I think this is a book that not only students should read, but also teachers, future teachers, and those who plan on going into the teaching field. To see what students encounter and how teachers do, or should, act towards their classes. To see a positive role model who will not judge and be open can make all the difference. This should be on every education major's reading list.

This was just a sneak peek but it left me wanting to read more. Fish in a Tree is reminiscent of Patricia Polloco's, Thank You, Mr. Faulkner. Ally struggles in school. She is often sent to the office and her teachers quickly grow impatient with her antics. Those antics hide Ally's secret; words don't make sense to her.

Now a new teacher, Mr. Daniels, is her teacher. He quickly lets Ally know that she will no longer be sent the office and that any problems she may have will be taken care of in class. Will Mr. Daniels learn her secret?

The excerpt I read is a great look into the mind of a child that might have a lot of wisdom, but a lot of difficulty with academics. It's not explicitly stated if she has dyslexia or ADHD or both (likely both, I think), but the excerpt is of the first few chapters. We see how hard she struggles to hide her difficulties, taking the blame as if she's a troublemaker instead of troubled. I have a feeling the rest of the rest of the book will be just as engaging; I was disappointed there wasn't more to this sneak peek!

Purchased this book for my daughter & wanted to get a glimpse of what she would be reading. I look forward to reading the whole thing after reading this excerpt!

Intriguing sneak peek about a girl with dyslexia. I'd like to read the whole book!

This book is excellent. The author brings the reader into the journey this child lives by knowing she is different. The struggles and the self esteem issues of this delightful girl tear at your heart. The idea that this new teacher gives her hope that maybe, just maybe someone understands. I cannot wait to get this book in its entirety to read with my grandson who suffers from sensory processing disorder and often feels he cannot succeed and everything is his fault because he is different.

As soon as I finish this book I will be posting my review on Goodreads, Oprah's Goodreads Book Club, my personal Facebook page, and the special Facebook group page on Sensory Processing Disorder page I belong to.

Thank you NetGalley for the Sneak Peak of Fish in a Tree! I am intrigue and excited to read the rest! This story is about a young girl who cannot read. The story begins as it introduces us to the main character, Ally. Ally is bright, but cannot read, and no one else has figured it out. Unfortunately, she has moved around a lot, which has prevented her teachers from finding out. The short excerpt that I read, ends when she meets a new teacher, Mr. Daniels. Hopefully, he can help!

A well written reminder that not all kids learn easily and can fall through the cracks of the school system. This would make a great gift for a teacher. :)

My thoughts after reading the sneak preview:
1. I want to read the rest of it. It has definitely caught my attention.
2. It seems like it might be a good read aloud book for 3rd or 4th grade.

I WANT MORE!! Seriously! This was intriguing from the beginning. What if you couldn't read and every one else around you thought you could. When you refused to do things they thing you are just being difficult but really you can't do it.

This pulls at my heart strings. I wish I would help Ally. I can not imagine what it is like to not be able to tell people how you really feel and what you can and can't do.

This is definitely going on my "TBR"!!

I read this book some time ago -- loved it! Highly recommended for its sensitive portrayal of a severely dyslexic girl. Opens a world of possibilities.