Albert refuses to fight back because he does not believe in violence. As he and Ally become closer, Ally learns these bruises are caused by other kids who bully him. Daniels’ belief in her, Ally finds a new confidence and forms connections with her classmates, including an outspoken aspiring baker named Keisha and a scientifically gifted but socially struggling boy named Albert.Īlbert often comes to school with bruises. Daniels adapts his teaching to her dyslexia, helping her realize her unique abilities. Sensing Ally’s intelligence and creativity, Mr. Daniels-sees beneath the surface of her distractions. Daniels saw Ally for who she was and gave her the confidence to succeed in life, and taught her that people learn in many different ways.Ally’s new teacher-a kind, attentive man named Mr. She wanted to make him proud and truly respected him. Daniels arrived and showed her that he cares and believes in her. TeachingĪlly acted out and constantly got into trouble until Mr.

One example of the importance of friendship is when Albert fights the bullies who have hurt his friends.

The theme of friendship is evident throughout the whole story. Self-EsteemĪlly struggles with her self-esteem throughout most of the novel, while Albert and Keisha seemingly have a great deal of confidence and don’t let things bother them. Keisha is one of the only African American kids in the class, and Albert is brainy and considered weird by the mean kids. Ally struggles with her learning disability and does not want it to become the only thing that people know her for. The three main characters in the story all have their own unique identity. Teachers may want the students to identify and illustrate two themes, one for each cell, or identify one theme and show two examples of it, one example per cell.Įxamples of Themes in Fish in a Tree Identity For this activity, students will identify and illustrate two of the themes in Fish in a Tree. Many stories have more than one important theme.

A theme is a central idea, subject, or message in a story.

Fish in a tree by lynda mullaly hunt