Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Lynda Mullaly Hunt is an American author who writes middle-grade novels focusing on themes of learning differences, family dynamics, and self-discovery. Her work has earned recognition from state reading lists across the United States and has been translated into multiple languages. Hunt's debut novel "One for the Murphys" (2012) explores the foster care system through the eyes of a young protagonist, while her widely-acclaimed "Fish in a Tree" (2015) follows a student struggling with dyslexia. "Shouting at the Rain" (2019) examines friendship and family relationships in a coastal Massachusetts setting. Before becoming an author, Hunt worked as a teacher and writing consultant, experiences that inform her portrayal of classroom dynamics and student-teacher relationships. Her background in education has also made her a sought-after speaker at schools, libraries, and educational conferences. Hunt's writing style emphasizes emotional authenticity and often draws from her personal experiences, including her own struggles with reading as a child. Her books consistently appear on classroom reading lists and have received numerous awards, including being named to the New York Times Notable Children's Books list.

Readers consistently connect with Hunt's authentic portrayal of children facing real-world challenges. Parents and teachers report that her books resonate with students who struggle with learning differences or family instability. What readers liked: - Characters feel genuine and relatable - Books tackle difficult topics while maintaining hope - Strong teacher-student relationships depicted accurately - Writing style accessible for middle-grade readers - Stories validate children's experiences with learning disabilities What readers disliked: - Some found the resolutions too neat - Supporting characters can lack depth - Plot pacing occasionally slow in middle sections Ratings across platforms: - "Fish in a Tree" averages 4.4/5 on Goodreads (124,000+ ratings) - "One for the Murphys" maintains 4.3/5 on Amazon (1,200+ reviews) - "Shouting at the Rain" holds 4.2/5 on Goodreads (3,000+ ratings) A teacher on Goodreads noted: "My students with dyslexia finally saw themselves in a book." Another reader commented: "The classroom scenes ring true because Hunt clearly knows how schools work."

One for the Murphys (2012) A twelve-year-old foster child, Carley Connors, learns about belonging and trust while living with the Murphy family.

Fish in a Tree (2015) A sixth-grade girl with dyslexia discovers her own strengths with help from a new teacher who recognizes she's struggling to read.

Shouting at the Rain (2019) Delsie, growing up with her grandmother on Cape Cod, navigates changing friendships and learns about different types of families.

Flying High: The True Story of Henry Eugene Gersham Jr. and His Jr. Birdmen of 1934 (2024) A nonfiction account of twelve-year-old Henry Eugene Gersham Jr. and his attempts to build a working airplane during the Great Depression.

Lisa Graff writes middle grade novels about family relationships and personal growth, often featuring characters dealing with loss or change. Her books "Lost in the Sun" and "Absolutely Almost" explore themes of identity and self-discovery in realistic school settings.

Holly Goldberg Sloan creates stories about young people finding their place in complex family dynamics. Her works like "Counting by 7s" and "Short" focus on characters who navigate challenging circumstances while building connections with others.

Joan Bauer develops narratives about resilient young protagonists who face difficult situations with determination. Her books incorporate themes of overcoming obstacles and finding strength through relationships with family and community members.

Cynthia Lord writes about characters dealing with family challenges and social situations in school environments. Her books "Rules" and "Touch Blue" examine sibling relationships and the impact of change on families.

Patricia Reilly Giff focuses on characters who confront personal struggles while developing stronger connections with family and friends. Her works explore themes of belonging and self-discovery through realistic plots involving school life and family dynamics.