Fish in a Tree: Chapters 28-38

by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
In this novel, a dedicated teacher and new friendships help Ally understand and come to terms with her dyslexia — and to realize that there's no shame in being different.

Here are links to our lists for the novel: Chapters 1-9, Chapters 10-16, Chapters 17-27, Chapters 28-38, Chapters 39-51
15 words 899 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. unfortunate
    unsuitable or regrettable
    “That was just because I know about those words, alone and lonely, that's all. It was just an unfortunate stroke of luck.”
  2. extensive
    broad in scope or content
    He whispers, “Albert Einstein had extensive theories on its possibilities. And I certainly wouldn’t argue with him."
  3. visionary
    a person with unusual powers of foresight
    A lady talks about what a visionary Noah Webster was to create the first American spellers and dictionaries.
  4. dyslexia
    impaired ability to learn to read
    “Aw, Ally,” he says, “this thing that makes school hard for you...I think you might have something called dyslexia. And it means that, although it’s hard for you to read, it doesn’t mean you’re dumb.”
  5. consultant
    an expert who gives advice
    “You and I are going to figure this out together. As a matter of fact, I already spoke to Mrs. Silver and Miss Kessler, the reading consultant at school. I was already planning to call your mom and talk to you tomorrow. We’re going to give you some tests.”
  6. incorporate
    include or contain; have as a component
    “I think you’ve had some trouble learning words with just your eyes. We are going to incorporate more of your senses to practice letters and sounds. And I want you to relax about it. We’ll have fun. I won’t give homework on this. No tests to study for or anything like that, okay?”
  7. standardize
    evaluate by comparing with a norm
    “And I have two friends, Keisha and Albert. Keisha likes to bake and she’s brave. You’d like her, Daddy! And Albert is like a computer; he is so smart. He’s a little nuts, though. He’s been telling us how he loves all of the standardized testing. He actually thinks it's fun.”
  8. mushy
    very sentimental or emotional
    “So they can talk mushy in private, that’s why.”
  9. parameter
    any factor defining a system and determining its performance
    “Filling the refrigerator does not fall within the parameters of my responsibilities. Therefore, the lack of food therein would have no reflection upon me whatsoever.”
  10. venomous
    extremely poisonous or injurious
    A stonefish is way more dangerous with its thirteen venomous spines.
  11. stunned
    dazed or knocked unconscious by a heavy blow
    I sit, stunned. Wondering why Mr. Daniels would do this—betray me. Now I feel like I really am going to throw up.
  12. squeaky
    having or making a high-pitched sound
    “Mom?” is all I can get out, but it’s squeaky and filled with longing to pull her through the phone wires to sit with me.
  13. flustered
    thrown into a state of agitated confusion
    She is always looking for your weakness, always trying to get you flustered and force you into a mistake.
  14. invincible
    incapable of being overcome or subdued
    “I think you’re just invincible.”
  15. sportsmanship
    fairness and courtesy in following the rules of a game
    “Well, Shay, this is good sportsmanship. Who will you nominate?”
Created on Thu Jan 11 19:55:44 EST 2018 (updated Wed Jul 30 13:04:22 EDT 2025)

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