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Fish in a Tree
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1) I am not 100% sure what made Mr. Daniels view Ally's difficulties and behaviors in a new light, but if I had to I would say that his education in learning differences is what allowed him to see her with a new perspective. When educators are not informed on such issues, they are unequipped to deal with kids who stand out from the pack and the reasons behind their, at times, bizarre or disruptive behavior. That being said, it would be great if all teachers or those dealing with youngsters could have a crash course on the several differences or situations that their students may be going through.
2) My friend who has dyslexia stated that as you grow older you learning techniques and mechanisms that help you read better. I'm wondering if this is why so much fictional literature about people with dyslexia is centered around children.
3) There were a lot of topics touched on that I thought were interwoven nicely, but my favorite was probably the example of Albert. Dealing with a challenging home life due to finances is a huge issue that many do not ever learn about or delve into, but they painted his brilliance and character with a mature perspective that I really enjoyed. He was hearty and unruffled, just really shy and in his own world (which in turn could cause social issues).
4) Again, I think there are a variety of messages that come out of this text. One that is illustrated as an undercurrent and brought out in the end is that of Ally's brother who finally, after being goaded by Ally, is able to ask for and accept help for his dyslexia. I think the message here is that it's never too late to learn, improve, or get help.
5) They were fun to witness and while I liked all the characters and thought they made a good trio overall, sometimes Keisha's more outspoken nature bothered me. She doesn't have any qualms in telling Albert he's a weirdo and she is brasher than the other two, but I did like the confidence she brought to the group.
1) Daniel's youth plays the biggest factor in my opinion. With youth comes enthusiasm and a willingness to adopt and try new and experimental methods in what essentially an ancient profession. His lack of experience in dealing with students that he didn't know how to teach probably also played a role. He wouldn't accept the defeat/truce that Ally was offering him. He would find a way, even if he would have to learn what that way was.2) Adults with dyslexia maybe or consider themselves to be illiterate. This is clearly a point of deep shame and may lead to less reports overall and therefore less stories.
3) Albert's struggle with food insecurity was the most distinctive as I had not seen that issue explored at length in media before.
4) That it is never too late, with the proper help, aid and instruction, anyone can learn to read. Also that we should take care before labelling people with perjoratives such as stupid, idiot or crazy as they may be more self-fulfilling prophecy than accurate descriptions of people. In other words, a curse.
5) I think they make a nice little group of so-called misfits who found each other via adverse circumstances. However, I wonder whether their friendships will survive the tough transition to high school when they will undergo another fundamental change in both their bodies and possibly their personalities.
Allie and Mak, I enjoyed reading your responses to the five discussion questions posed for this book. I am still reading it, but I feel equipped enough to answer one of the questions now.2) I agree with Mak's point that adults struggling with dyslexia probably do view their condition with a sense of embarrassment or shame, even though they are not at all at fault for having it. As Allie noted in her response, I also think that adults usually find strategies to cope with the difficulties caused by dyslexia, and it therefore does not have as much of an impact on their ability to function in the world as it does for children and teenagers.
To be honest, I didn't like this book. I found it to be too simple and not an exciting read. But now, THE QUESTIONS:1) Why do you think Mr. Daniels was able to view and help Ally differently than her previous teachers? Is it because he is younger, male, or versed in special education? Are there other factors?
It's because he saw the struggle Ally was going through and it probably highlighted some of his own struggles when he was a kid or it reminded him that once he finished his degree, he would be helping people like Ally on a regular basis so decided to give himself a headstart for their sake.
2) When selecting this book, I first searched for fictional books about adults with dyslexia but they were harder to find. Why do you think that is?
I think it's because dylexia is more introduced (like any other disability) when you're young rather than old. Therefore, there's a higher market for children with dylexia or for children who don't have dyslexia but know of it.
3) In addition to Ally's struggles with dyslexia, we see a lot of examples of other challenges that kids face. Which one stood out to you most?
Oliver. I loved Oliver. Would have been curious to read what his problem really was.
4) What is one message a person who has never had a learning difference could take away from this book?
That's it a struggle growing up.
5) How do you feel about the dynamics between Keisha, Albert, and Ally?
Not bad dynamics. Albert basically was a wimp until he stood his ground. I think I liked Keisha the best. However, Ally was pretty ballsy too.
With writes,
-Andy Rufett
Mod
Would you please remind me which kid was Oliver?
Thanks,
Allie
Sure thing, Allie.Oliver is the kid in the class who's very rambunctious. He seemed to always enjoy hitting his desk.
With writes,
-Andy Ruffett
Mod
Late to the game here! This book was an eye-opener for me in two ways. Firstly, I'm not used to reading kids books and second to learn a little more and understand somewhat the nature of dyslexia. Also, I'll admit that I'm a very emotional person and whether or not this book was a good representation of dyslexia aside, it made me cry more than once at the insecurity that not just Ally, but her brother went through. It was obvious as soon as we were introduced to Travis that he had the same issues that Ally did.
1) One, I think Mr. Daniels probably recognizes Ally's difficulties from his own experiences. This could have been himself or someone close to him and is also probably the reason he chose his specialist degree. And two, probably being younger he was more idealistic and not tainted with the stain of discontent that I'm sure affects many teachers after a certain amount of time in the classroom.
2) Because Dyslexia is a relatively new concept, that I'm sure many long-established educators and probably many a conservative still argue about it even today. Much like issues of ADHD etc, some people simply don't believe these things exist, and as such many adults, especially older adults are probably ignorant of the "condition". Younger adults are much more likely to have had some kind of intervention to help them at some point in their school life. And maybe, the fact that some adults working through their dyslexia daily is not interesting enough for writers to consider as opposed to the diagnosing and treatment of a child.
3) Albert, Oliver and Shay.
Albert is obviously not as socially adept as his peers, especially in the way that he was unable to deal with his bullies until they threatened others that he cared about, and he is possibly on the spectrum. He reminded me of a Sheldon Cooper and Eugene Porter hybrid. He is also obviously dealing with some issue of neglect at home, it's shocking to me that he has two parents both of whom have not been told to be unable to work, but he openly admits to there being no food in the fridge.
Oliver seems to have a mild case of ADHD, but his behavior is not extreme, and it seems Mr Daniels had found a relatively simple code system he could understand to know when to pipe things down.
Shay is a stereotypical bully child of over expecting parents.
4) Not to judge a person that doesn't learn the same as you. Stupidity or being dumb is nothing to do with smarts.
5) How do you feel about the dynamics between Keisha, Albert, and Ally?
They certainly made a cute little threesome, and I'm glad that one of them was a boy. Keisha seems a little like a stereotypical "black girl", but I'm glad she had heart and ambition. Albert seems like the stereotypical gentle giant, but this time with a (huge!) brain. Ally TBH until she made her friends was a little annoying to me. But then I don't understand the difficulty of dealing with Dyslexia and the shame that comes from feeling stupid because you can't read.
I have to be totally honest and say that whilst I appreciated the messages and the further understanding of Dyslexia, I think that the book was tainted by putting too many stereotypes together in one (very small looking) classroom. I think that the author was aiming for representation, but it just fell short to me.
Also, considering that the setting didn't appear to be an overcrowded urban schoolroom (or a series of), I'm surprised that a child could reach the sixth grade and it not be picked up that despite being intelligent she can't read.
1) Why do you think Mr. Daniels was able to view and help Ally differently than her previous teachers? Is it because he is younger, male, or versed in special education? Are there other factors?
2) When selecting this book, I first searched for fictional books about adults with dyslexia but they were harder to find. Why do you think that is?
3) In addition to Ally's struggles with dyslexia, we see a lot of examples of other challenges that kids face. Which one stood out to you most?
4) What is one message a person who has never had a learning difference could take away from this book?
5) How do you feel about the dynamics between Keisha, Albert, and Ally?