When Dad Came Back — Gary Soto

What happens when the dad you don t know suddenly invades your life? Gabe Mendoza is off to the library when his long-absent father appears and looks to be homeless. His father wants to re-establish a relationship, but thirteen-year-old Gabe is hesitant. He s confused. And his Mom is mad. Should Gabe allow his father back into his life, or keep his distance? Can Gabe s dad, with all his failings, clean up his act?

This powerful novella by bestselling author Gary Soto will ring true to kids and grown-ups who can relate to the everyday challenges of one-parent home life. Soto s strong voice and poignant characters will draw you into Gabe s world and the decisions that will change his life. "