Hank is a funny, bright, friendly character. There's just one problem. He can't spell for toffy and his maths are all over the place. The word 'dyslexia' is never used in this novel. In fact, Hank doesn't know what is wrong with him, but all his brashness and humour doesn't disguise the fact that at school he is a failure. His friends, Frankie and Ashley know all about his brilliant ideas and his positive outlook, but underneath, Hank is worried. He tries very hard, too hard possibly. When he studies the spelling list, he is sure he will get all the words right, but the next day in class, he can't perform. His fourth grade teacher (this is New York City) is no help at all, and the school bully knows just how to get to him. One must suspend a bit of disbelief in this story, at least when it gets to the point of two dogs doing a twirly dance in the middle of a posh N.Y. apt and destroying a number of antiques, not to mention a platter of salami, in the process. But funny it is, often laugh-out-loud funny, and in the end Hank is given tests that show he is not the stupid lad he has believed himself to be. As I say, dyslexia is not mentioned; instead he is said to have 'learning challenges' and needs to be taught in different ways. Hank will get there in the end. One can be sure of that. If a child with 'learning challenges' enjoys this book, there are a number of others about Hank and his friends. Great fun!