As a young child, Gabriel Melton learned to dissolve his prejudice against the poverty-stricken. Through his mother's influence, the author was brought up in an environment where "poor people were to be avoided and mistrusted." Mr. Melton expresses that because he has had "many opportunities to use these events as precedents to dispel prejudices held by those in my travels, I valued them." He hopes that his readers will be able to recognize and appreciate these life lessons beyond the humor.

This charming story takes place in December of 1958, during the holiday season that "marks the defining moment" in the author's life. It is during the festive season of Christmas that Gabriel Melton realizes his carefree days must come to a close as he embarks on the next phase of his life, a transition from childhood to adolescence. Looking much younger than his classmates in Watwood Junior High, he also faced the constant struggle of being tormented and ridiculed by his classmates. Amidst all of the typical pre-teen teasing, the object of Gabriel's affection is Linda, "the prettiest girl on the planet--well, at least in Watwood Junior High." And it is Linda who unwittingly becomes the catalyst for a major holiday life lesson for Gabriel.

Gabriel Melton's heartwarming story will appeal to readers of all ages with its lighthearted, frequently amusing tone, albeit one with a valuable personal message.