Fish In A Tree Comprehension Questions & Reading Journal

Fish In A Tree questions by chapter

We know this book well. Every question asks about something that happens in its chapter, a moment, a choice or a character, without giving away what comes next. One question per chapter, across all 51 chapters, and every one is editable before you print. The example answers under 3 of the chapters are the ones printed at the front of the booklet.

1. Chapter 1

   In Chapter 1, why does Ally get in trouble after giving Mrs. Hall a card? What does this misunderstanding show about Ally and about how others see her?

2. Chapter 2

   In Chapter 2, Ally tries to handle embarrassment in her own way. How do her classmates' reactions make the situation better or worse for her?

3. Chapter 3

   In Chapter 3, what do you learn about Ally's life outside of school? How does her family situation help you understand her feelings?

4. Chapter 4

   In Chapter 4, Ally compares herself to a bird in a cage. What do you think this comparison means, and why might she feel that way at school?

5. Chapter 5

   In Chapter 5, Ally thinks about things that are real and things that can fool you. How does this connect to the way she acts in class?

6. Chapter 6

   In Chapter 6, Ally seems stuck between different choices. What choices does she have, and why are they hard for her?

7. Chapter 7

   In Chapter 7, how does Ally's relationship with her grandpa still affect her? What memories or lessons seem important to her?

8. Chapter 8

   In Chapter 8, Ally gets into more trouble. Why do you think she sometimes acts out instead of asking for help?

9. Chapter 9

   In Chapter 9, the chapter title suggests having a “bag full of nothing.” What might Ally feel she is carrying around inside, even if others cannot see it?

10. Chapter 10

    In Chapter 10, Mr. Daniels begins to show that he is different from some other teachers. What does he do or say that makes Ally wonder if she can trust him?

11. Chapter 11

    In Chapter 11, words and letters feel confusing to Ally. How does the author help you understand what reading is like for her?

12. Chapter 12

    In Chapter 12, Albert has problems of his own. What do you learn about him, and how does this change the way you see his character?

13. Chapter 13

    In Chapter 13, a small event leads to hurt feelings or confusion. How can good intentions still turn into problems?

14. Chapter 14

    In Chapter 14, Ally feels both boxed in and boxed out. What makes her feel trapped, and what makes her feel left out?

15. Chapter 15

    In Chapter 15, the chapter title suggests gears that do not move smoothly. What is not working smoothly in Ally's school life, and why?

16. Chapter 16

    In Chapter 16, Ally starts to think about what she does have instead of only what she cannot do. What strengths does Ally show?

17. Chapter 17

    In Chapter 17, Ally spends time at the “misfit” lunch table. How do Keisha, Albert, and Ally begin to fit together as friends?

    Example answer: I think Keisha, Albert, and Ally fit together because they all know what it feels like to be different. They do not act exactly the same, but they start to understand each other. Keisha is bold, Albert is thoughtful, and Ally is creative. Together, they make a group where each person has something important to add.

18. Chapter 18

    In Chapter 18, Mr. Daniels encourages students to think in a wide-open way. How does this kind of thinking help Ally?

19. Chapter 19

    In Chapter 19, a letter becomes important. What can written words show about a person, even when writing is difficult?

20. Chapter 20

    In Chapter 20, humor and frustration both appear in the chapter. How do the characters use humor when things feel uncomfortable?

21. Chapter 21

    In Chapter 21, the idea of wishes is important. What does Ally seem to wish for, and what is stopping her from believing it can happen?

22. Chapter 22

    In Chapter 22, the chapter title mentions a queen. Who seems to have power in the classroom, and how do they use it?

23. Chapter 23

    In Chapter 23, words feel scary or confusing to Ally. Why can something that is easy for one person feel frightening to another?

24. Chapter 24

    In Chapter 24, Ally imagines heroes and brave moments. Why might imagining herself as a hero help her in real life?

25. Chapter 25

    In Chapter 25, an event can feel like both a celebration and a disaster. Why do you think Ally has mixed feelings?

26. Chapter 26

    In Chapter 26, Ally stalls instead of doing something right away. What is she trying to avoid, and what does this tell you about her?

27. Chapter 27

    In Chapter 27, friendship is tested during an upsetting afternoon. How do the characters show whether they are loyal friends?

28. Chapter 28

    In Chapter 28, Ally is offered a deal that could change things for her. Why is it hard for her to accept help, even when she needs it?

29. Chapter 29

    In Chapter 29, Mr. Daniels explains the idea behind “fish in a tree.” What does this idea mean, and how does it connect to Ally?

    Example answer: To me, “fish in a tree” means that people should not be judged by something they were never meant to do. A fish would look bad at climbing, but it might be amazing at swimming. Ally has been judged mostly by reading and writing, so she thinks she is not smart. Mr. Daniels helps her see that she is smart in different ways.

30. Chapter 30

    In Chapter 30, Ally learns about the king in chess. How can a chess piece help her think differently about herself?

31. Chapter 31

    In Chapter 31, the characters learn there can be more than one way to solve a problem. How does this lesson matter in Ally's life?

32. Chapter 32

    In Chapter 32, Ally learns more about how her brain works. How does this new information change the way she sees herself?

33. Chapter 33

    In Chapter 33, the chapter title is about possibilities. What new possibilities does Ally begin to notice?

34. Chapter 34

    In Chapter 34, Ally has a chance to shine. What helps her feel like a star, and why is that important?

35. Chapter 35

    In Chapter 35, pictures are very powerful for Ally. How does Ally's imagination help her understand the world?

36. Chapter 36

    In Chapter 36, the chapter title compares life to a game with teammates. Who is on Ally's team, and how do they support her?

37. Chapter 37

    In Chapter 37, a tricky problem makes the characters think carefully. What does this chapter show about problem-solving?

38. Chapter 38

    In Chapter 38, the word “loser” is hurtful. How do labels affect Ally and other characters in this chapter?

39. Chapter 39

    In Chapter 39, Ally responds to Shay in a new way. How is Ally beginning to change in how she handles teasing or unfairness?

40. Chapter 40

    In Chapter 40, mystery boxes make the students curious. What do the boxes teach about judging things before you understand them?

41. Chapter 41

    In Chapter 41, Ally has a “not-so-secret weapon.” What do you think her strongest weapon is, and how does she use it?

42. Chapter 42

    In Chapter 42, the chapter title lists unusual “gifts.” How can things that seem annoying or difficult at first turn into gifts?

43. Chapter 43

    In Chapter 43, the phrase “set the world on fire” sounds powerful. What dream or confidence is growing in Ally?

44. Chapter 44

    In Chapter 44, Ally notices more about Travis and school. How are Ally and Travis alike, and why does that matter?

45. Chapter 45

    In Chapter 45, Travis asks an important question. What does his question reveal about him and about Ally's journey?

46. Chapter 46

    In Chapter 46, Ally learns about people and ideas that are bigger than her classroom. How can learning about others help her feel less alone?

47. Chapter 47

    In Chapter 47, the chapter title says great minds do not think alike. What is the author teaching about different kinds of intelligence?

48. Chapter 48

    In Chapter 48, Oliver has his own idea of being lucky. How can different people see luck in different ways?

49. Chapter 49

    In Chapter 49, the idea of being original becomes important. Why might being different be a strength instead of a weakness?

50. Chapter 50

    In Chapter 50, characters have a chance to act like heroes. What do you think a hero's job is in this chapter?

51. Chapter 51

    In Chapter 51, the word courage is important. How has Ally shown courage from the beginning of the book to the end?

    Example answer: Ally shows courage because she keeps going even when school is hard and embarrassing for her. At first, she hides her struggles by making jokes or getting in trouble. Later, she is brave enough to accept help and believe she can learn. I think her biggest courage is learning to see herself as smart and worthy.