The book follows Jan Baer, a young deaf girl, as she attempts to solve a mystery at the circus.

A grandmother and former teacher, Hemenway said she wrote the book to help the hearing impaired. "I'm so happy to see these guys are here and are getting such good help," she said. "Deaf and hard of hearing children are very important to me."

According to Darlene St. Peter, district supervisor of special education, the number of students taking advantage of the program has increased from two to five since its inception nine years ago.

St. Peter thanked Hemenway for her generosity, explaining that it is often difficult for the district to get funding because the group at Frankford Elementary is so small. "We need someone like you to bring us further," she said.

Each of the five students in the program received a signed copy of Hemenway's book. She also donated a few copies to the school library.

Administrators will soon determine how the donation will be used.

"At this point we don't know what the money will be used for but we know it will go directly to the kids," said Principal Duncan Smith. "This is very generous."

By Laren Hughes
http://www.delmarvanow.com/bethanybeach/stories/20060215/2252683.html