"Longing for Dad", author Loie Chambers' first novel, is a coming-of-age story about Cairo Jett Grantfield, an adolescent boy whose family moves from Miami to Georgia during the awkward middle school years. Forced to trade in the hustle and bustle of Miami life for a family-owned farm in rural Georgia, Cairo is unhappy about leaving everything familiar including his best friend, Miguel. His on-going desire to be close to his present, but emotionally distant, father evades him. The distance in their relationship is made more apparent by the move, the closeness Cairo sees between a new friend, DJ and his dad, and Cairo's mom's terminal illness. "Longing for Dad" touches the various emotions brought on when adjusting to life's changes and challenges and the lessons learned along the way. Because the story is told through the eyes of a teenaged boy, young readers will relate to Cairo's raw emotions and experiences. Adult readers will get glimpses into the minds and hearts of those wedged between childhood and adulthood. Accessible and relatable, "Longing for Dad" is bound to touch the hearts of those who read this debut work.