Unconventional Narrator Highlights Philadelphia's Next 'One Book' Choice

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The Philadelphia Free Library has selected an award-winning mystery novel for next year's One Book, One Philadelphia program. And the story is told by a teenager with "behavioral difficulties."

The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time, by British novelist Mark Haddon, has won wide acclaim and "One Book" program director Kalela Williams says it has broad appeal:

"It's a very short, accessible read. We really loved that we thought it could connect to high school students."

She calls it "quirky:"

"It actually has math problems and logic puzzles inside the text. It has pictures and maps."

And Christopher, the hero who grapples not just with a murder mystery, but with his own peculiarities, hinted at as autism. The tie-in books for younger readers also involve being different.

There will be the usual talks and discussion groups, but this book also inspired a Broadway musical which will be at the Academy of Music from January to March:

"We're really looking forward to a fun and eye-opening year," says Williams.

She expects 100,000 readers to join in.