The author of the beloved One for the Murphys gives readers 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.
“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.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful.
Uncovering the potential within...
By Liz
Lynda Mullaly Hunt has crafted a beautiful story about being “that kid”, the one for whom the expectations are low, and who retreats into her own world to keep the real one at a distance. Ally sees in pictures. Words are nearly impossible to decipher; so she doesn’t try. With the help of a great teacher, who begins to crack her code, Ally starts opening up to the idea that maybe there’s more to herself than she realized. It’s a powerful realization, and one that so many kids will relate to. Through the course of the story, Ally finds and connects with other kids who accept her and see beyond the attempts at distancing herself from the. Ally’s allies, Albert and Keisha, feel very real to me. Their bond of friendship helps Ally realize that she has much to offer, and it bolsters the trio against the sideways glances and smack talk of some of the other kids, like Shay. The author has effectively put into words that claustrophobic feeling of what it’s like to HAVE to stay one step ahead of being figured out and labeled as dumb. That crushing feeling- that need to stay under the radar, or even be deemed problematic, instead of the world finding out the truth, feels so real here. Mr. Daniels is the teacher who sees beyond the front Ally has put up. He knows something is up with this girl, and refuses to let her go under the radar. We discover that Ally is actually dyslexic, and that it is a workable condition. The more Ally understands this, the more empowered she is. And her friends help her through it all. Everyone should be so lucky as to have a Mr. Daniels in their lives. A good teacher can literally be a turning point in a struggling student’s life. I know I had a few teachers like that- the ones who saw the person before the grade. They are the real unsung heroes in the ever-changing and difficult school landscape, and this story shines a light on them."Now I realize that everyone has their own blocks to drag around. And they all feel heavy.” So true. This story is a good reminder for folks of all ages, really, to look beyond the surface and see the potential in every person.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful.NEW CLASSIC for children's bookshelves and classroom read alouds.
By Chris Koppelman
I adored ONE FOR THE MURPHYS, and I couldn't wait for this book to arrive. I knew this author had the chops to deliver another excellent book, and I was not disappointed. The well-drawn characters are lovable, sympathetic and unique. Mr. Daniels, Albert, Keisha, and Ally inspired me. Hunt's explanations of dyslexia and specific examples will promote understanding and respect without being didactic or preachy. This book will become a classic read aloud staple in classrooms everywhere. It's the kind of book you want to share, you HAVE to share. Thank you, Lynda Mullaly Hunt, for a beautifully crafted, entertaining, heart-filled piece of literature for young people. It does what the best MG novels do; it offers HELPS and HOPE. (and keeps us giggling)
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful.For everyone who thinks they are different. This is for you!
By Laurie Murphy
From the first page, readers will be rooting for Ally, the girl who thinks she is dumb. Of course, she is anything but dumb, only she doesn't see it that way. Ally can't read and tries to hide it from everyone, but when the new teacher, Mr. Daniels, takes over her classroom, he soon discovers there is something unique about this student. Ally is bright, but is obviously struggling. This is an emotional story about kids who learn differently, who find friendship in unlikely classmates, and discover that there is something special about all of us. Thanks to Lynda Mullaly Hunt for bringing us another heartfelt story that children will relate to and want to read over and over again.
