When I was fifteen I had close to to the worst year of my life. In the midst of it, I can remember watching an ice skating competition and so wanting to be out there jumping and twirling with freedom. I didn't want to think about the hours, the days, the years of rigid practice; didn't want to think about the sore muscles or the falls. I just wanted to twirl and be free ...

This is a favorite of mine. Here, Tree, a hugely tall boy, helps his grandfather into a Santa suit. Not easy, because his grandpa recently lost a leg.

"Getting Grandpa in the Santa suit reminded Tree of the time when his mother had bought an outfit for their dog Bradley -- a sweater, hat, and booties -- and Tree had to put it on him...."