Read Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt with a child. After you read, reflect and profile the substitute teacher, Mr. Daniels and any one other character in 400 words or more. Then interview the child reader (from age 10 to 15) and record his or her experience with the book for an additional 200 words or more. End your writing with a citation for the novel in APA format.

Characterization writing makes claims about the type of person that a character is understood to be and then supports said claims with story details (with or without direct quotes). Characters are revealed indirectly by their actions, dialogue, private thoughts, and the reactions of other characters. More subtle cues may be noted in the nature or quality of one’s voice or in what a person fails to do. Sometimes characters are directly revealed by the author in explicit description. Physical details about the character may be noted or important but are typically less important than other traits.

You may sit with the child and take turns reading the text aloud, buy the child a copy and check back in on his or her reading experience, or record yourself reading the text aloud and share the audio file. Your choice will depend on the child’s need and tolerance for encouragement, attention, or support.  The text is one that a 5th grader should be able to read independently but interesting enough for many older students.

The author, Lynda Mullaly Hunt, dedicates the book to both teachers and kids.  Consider the dedication as a talking point as well as exploring her website, https://lyndamullalyhunt.com/for-teachers/.