Awards

• Commended for Georgia Children's Book Award (Children's Book) 2017
• Short-listed for Colorado Children's Book Award (Junior Novel) 2016
• Short-listed for Great Stone Face Book Award 2015
• Winner of ALA Notable Book.
• Winner of Schneider Family Book Award (Middle School) 2016

Overview

The author of the beloved One for the Murphys (now on 22 state lists!) gives readers an emotionally-charged, uplifting novel about a girl whose greatest fear is that everyone will find out she is as dumb as they think she is because she still doesn't know how to read. A New York Times Bestseller . An emotionally-charged, uplifting novel that will speak to anyone who's ever thought there was something wrong with them because they didn't fit in. ""Fans of R.J. Palacio's Wonder will appreciate this feel-good story of friendship and unconventional smarts."" -Kirkus Reviews ""Everybody is smart in different ways. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid."" Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions. She is afraid to ask for help; after all, how can you cure dumb? However, her newest teacher Mr. Daniels sees the bright, creative kid underneath the trouble maker. With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. As her confidence grows, Ally feels free to be herself and the world starts opening up with possibilities. She discovers that there's a lot more to her-and to everyone-than a label, and that great minds don't always think alike. Schneider Family Book Award. ALA Notable. Global Read-Aloud Selection. Crystal Kite Nerdy Book Award

Full Product Details

9780399162596

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Reviews

Filled with a delightful range of quirky characters and told with heart, the story also explores themes of family, friendship, and courage in its many forms. . . . It has something to offer for a wide-ranging audience. . . . Offering hope to those who struggle academically and demonstrating that a disability does not equal stupidity, this is as unique as its heroine. --Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

Filled with a delightful range of quirky characters and told with heart, the story also explores themes of family, friendship, and courage in its many forms. . . . It has something to offer for a wide-ranging audience. . . . Offering hope to those who struggle academically and demonstrating that a disability does not equal stupidity, this is as unique as its heroine. -- Booklist, STARRED REVIEW * Mullaly Hunt again paints a nuanced portrayal of a sensitive, smart girl struggling with circumstances beyond her control. . . . Ally's raw pain and depression are vividly rendered, while the diverse supporting cast feels fully developed. . . . Mr. Daniels is an inspirational educator whose warmth radiates off the page. Best of all, Mullaly Hunt eschews the unrealistic feel-good ending for one with hard work and small changes. Ally's journey is heartwarming but refreshingly devoid of schmaltz. -- School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW [Hunt's] depiction of Ally's learning struggles is relatable, and Ally's growth and relationships feel organic and real. -- Publishers Weekly

Author Information

Lynda Mullaly Hunt (www.lyndamullalyhunt.com) has received many honors for her debut novel, One for the Murphys, which is on over twenty state award lists, including Bank Street's 2013 Best Books of the Year. She's a former teacher, and holds writers retreats for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, two children, impetuous beagle, and beagle-loathing cat.

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