Fish in a Tree Discussion Questions

Students will make inferences about character motivation and relationships throughout the novel, such as Ally's connection to her grandfather and Albert's home life.

Students will discuss the novel's themes of belonging, self-worth, and living with an undiagnosed learning difference.

Students will form and support a personal opinion on open-ended questions, such as whether it is better to fit in or stay true to oneself.

Use the opinion questions to discuss fitting in and personal identity. As the guide notes, these responses can support open discussion rather than one expected answer.

The Chapter 6 question about Travis's coin collecting suggests having students look up real coin values as a quick extension activity.

Use the novel’s details to support character inferences. Avoid treating a shirt name as proof of a family’s income, and replace the guide’s normal/not normal comparison with language about belonging and individual learning differences.

Character inference — students infer motivations and relationships, such as why Ally avoids reading the sign in the principal's office or what Albert's home life is like.

Theme discussion — students discuss belonging, self-worth, and the impact of an undiagnosed learning difference as the novel's plot develops.

Opinion formation and discussion — students respond to open-ended prompts with no single correct answer, supporting a personal position.