Gabe Mendoza is off to the library when his long-absent father appears--and looks to be homeless. His father wants to reestablish 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.