Fish in a Tree examines the many ways in which learning differences can actually be used to one’s advantage. Ally’s older brother, Travis, is her first major model of a capable person with learning differences. Travis may also experiences dyslexia—he struggles with reading and writing—and he performs poorly in school as a result. Nevertheless, Travis excels in the art of finding and restoring antique machines (and recognizing their value, using his highly developed math skills). Because he thinks differently from most people, he is able to creatively restore machines without using manuals. He also slyly uses his intelligence to haggle with a pawnshop owner, convincing him to sell two valuable coins for a bargain price.

Ally’s teacher, Mr. Daniels, recognizes the many unique abilities Ally possesses, including her artistic talent, her math skills, and her knack for difficult problem-solving. As Mr. Daniels illustrates, “just like there are different ways for you to get home, Ally, there are different ways for information to reach the brain” (166). He shows Ally that she has developed these skills as a result of her dyslexia, explaining that she processes the world differently, and thus discovers ideas and solutions that the average person might not consider.