When Dad Came Back

Shocked to hear a homeless man call his name, 13-year-old Gabe Mendoza realizes he's looking into the face of his estranged father. As Soto's novella unfolds in Fresno, California, Gabe grapples with understanding his past and present relationships with this man. On his journey to understanding, Gabe scuffles with a gang, adopts a dog, visits his Uncle Matthew, appreciates his mother, and comes to peace with his father. August Ross brings a youthful voice to Gabe, with nuances of bitterness, enthusiasm, and confusion as each situation warrants. His supporting characters are distinctive; his narrator unobtrusive. Ross's pacing mirrors Gabe's actions and feelings--hesitating when Gabe is unsure of what to do and speeding at moments Gabe's conviction drives him forward. "Everyone needs a second, or third, chance." A.R. (c) AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine