Ollie Bentword, age thirteen, is a Dyslexic. He has great talent, but his Learning Disability clouds his mind and self esteem. Betsy Burr, a year older and Ollies neighborhood friend, understands him better than anyone. She feels hes someone special, and plays a dominent part in keeping Ollies thoughts and deeds in proper perspective. Betsy and Ollie become amateur sleuths in a neighborhood murder case. Ollies unique detective work produces a surprise conclusion to the mystery. Through a disciplinary encounter with School Principal Mr. Bombay, Ollie develops a close student/teacher relationship with the School Band Director, Mr. Bachman, who asks Ollie if he would like to become the Band Librarian, and offers to give him free trombone lessons as payment. Ollies fondest dream is to play the trombone. With his parents permission he accepts. T. O. A. D. is the story of a Dyslexic who proves he is as smart and Socially Acceptable as any of his classmates. While sprinkling a generous amount of humor through the pages, the story reflects the anxiety, frustration, and anger in overcoming the many educational and social obstacles. The book shows that dyslexic people can be uniquely gifted. T. O. A. D. is an easy reading, fun mystery story.
