• Age: 12 to 18
• Grade: 8 to 12
• Reading age: 12 to 18

Fiona’s dad comes home after sixteen months and eight days in jail.

Along with her mother and family friends, Fiona awkwardly welcomes him home. Uncle David is there, because he picked Dad up at jail. Dad’s best friend Simon, his wife May and neighbor Elisabeth are also at the house to greet Dad. He’s been away so long, it’s an uncomfortable reunion for Mom and Fiona, who have suffered financially, emotionally and socially in his absence. Even the dog, Honey, isn’t sure about Fiona’s dad anymore. Fiona’s dad was in jail for a crime he didn’t commit. Or did he? Fiona thought she knew him. Believed he was innocent. But now that he’s home, her friends, her teachers, even her mom—everyone is treating him like a criminal. Guilty or not, Fiona’s father has ruined everything. When she starts getting lured into the darker side of life, she discovers who her father really is.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for teen readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read!

In her 24-year media career, Diane Dakers has written for most of Canada’s major daily newspapers and a number of national and regional magazines and weekly publications. Her voice has been heard on local, national, and provincial radio stations, and she has been a television host, reporter, producer, and writer. Diane holds a Master of Journalism degree from Carleton University in Ottawa. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia

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Diane Dakers' profile page

"Dakers deals sensitively with the complicated emotional space that Fiona finds herself in."

Resource Links

"An easy read...The book touches on sensitive subjects but ones that many readers can relate to."

Library Media Connection

"The text is accessible to a wide range of readers due to the uncomplicated vocabulary, and it makes use of relevant language that teens can relate to...The relevance of Homecoming and the straightforward nature of the text make it a great read for reluctant readers."

CM Magazine