Book excerpt: Max's friend Stephen is great at many things. But more than anything else, Stephen can tell a story. His stories have the ability to change listeners' initial impressions of people and situations. When Stephen signs up for the school's talent show, Max signs up to be his assistant. After selecting that just-right dress and those just-right shoes for the show, the moment arrives. Stephen steps onto the stage. The lights shine brightly in his face. He looks out into the crowd knowing he has prepared everything, except the one thing that matters--his performance. What will Max, standing in the wings, do to help his friend?