In preparation for our 6th annual A Novel Night gala, we invited the Horizon Academy community to help us select the literary theme for the night. The Horizon Academy Advancement Team collected inspiring book recommendations from parents, board members, and event guests. We narrowed these recommendations to four finalists, each offering a unique opportunity for creativity, costumes, and connection to our mission.

The votes are in! We are thrilled to announce that in 2027, guests will board the train for a night of mystery and intrigue with Murder on the Orient Express.

Author Agatha Christie, who is believed to have had dyslexia, wrote 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections. Together, we’ll celebrate one of her most notable books by leaning into the glamor, intrigue, and mystery in this story.

A Novel Night is designed to spark imagination for our guests and most importantly, raise essential funds to support Horizon Academy’s mission of serving students with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities.

Guests of A Novel Night have pulled on their boots for True Grit, waved their wands for Harry Potter, gone down the rabbit hole with Alice in Wonderland, and climbed to Mt. Olympus with Percy Jackson. What will Murder on the Orient Express bring? Think vintage luxury, glamorous 1920s, and a touch of suspense. More clues will be revealed closer to the event. We hope you will plan to be a part of this unforgettable night!

If you’re interested in getting involved with creating this great event, please contact me. Great events take great people, and we would love to have your support!

Sincerely,

Cindy Wissinger
Development Director
cwissinger@horizon-academy.com

Interested in reading Murder on the Orient Express in preparation for the event? Want to learn more about the other finalists? Check out these great works with a connection to dyslexia or neurodivergence!

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie (believed to have had dyslexia)
Step aboard a glamorous 1920s train filled with intrigue, elegance, and mystery. A night filled with vintage luxury, dramatic storytelling, and a touch of suspense.

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne (believed to have had dyslexia)
Dive into an underwater adventure with a steampunk twist. Imagine glowing sea creatures, submarines, and a richly immersive ocean world.

The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer (who has dyslexia)
Enter a magical world where fairy tales collide. This theme offers endless opportunities for creative costumes and a vibrant, storybook-inspired atmosphere.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
A wildly imaginative, comedic space adventure known for its short, witty storytelling style—often enjoyed by neurodivergent readers. Expect an irreverent, out-of-this-world evening full of humor, creativity, and unforgettable costumes.