 The story of Dick and his cat, based in reality but told in legends dating back to the early 17th century and recounted in several modern books listed in the Endnote, is a rags-to-riches tale of a poor boy led to fame and fortune by an unusual pet with a knack for killing rats.The third is about dyslexic Ben's efforts to learn to read before he is held back and placed in Special Ed.The last two parallel each other to a certain extent, as Dick struggles to make his way in the world and Ben struggles with his frustration and fear.