Richard's father blames himself for his son's death and has a hard time meeting the demands of his job and the support of his family. This forces them to move from southern California back to the home of his mother in Salt Lake City. They are fortunate to be able to move into his grandmother's house, rat infested that it was. Concurrent with that move, his father gets his own place and his mother becomes the only parent in charge. However, she is distraught with guilt and spends most of her time in her room, coming out only to sporadically prepare food for Richard.
Living next door to Richard is Mr. Foster, an elderly man who is virtually a recluse. At the first snowfall, Richard shovels his driveway, but does not see the beneficiary of his actions. It is only when Mr. Foster sees a number of Richard's classmates bullying him verbally and physically does he make an appearance to scare them off. Their friendship has been solidified, helped also by Mr. Foster's dog, Beau that Richard walks. It is a precious relationship with each benefiting from it in just the way they need to.
Right before Christmas there is another startling revelation when Richard's teacher announces to the class that there is no Santa Claus. Ms. Covey is a horrible teacher who does not seem to like children and has made school a real chore for Richard. When another family crisis happens, Richard loses hope until he and Mr. Foster have some heart-to-heart talks.
There is much wisdom imparted by this book and some very poignant scenes. In the end there is hope and life to live. As we discussed this at our Christmas luncheon, most admitted we shed a tear, but were buoyed by the end. A fast, heartwarming book.
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