A straightforward and compelling story told in the powerful voice of a child. When one little girl witnesses the change her father goes through because of his addiction to alcohol, she embarks on an inward journey to come to terms with his struggle, which ultimately becomes her struggle. A shy and isolated child, yearning to make sense of her sadness and confusion, she watches as her beloved dad descends into a downward spiral.

Through the eyes of a child, the reader sees how alcoholism can change a family's dynamics forever. Vivid illustrations capture the love and emotions, along with the toll parental alcoholism can take on a child's development. Daddy Came Home a Stranger illustrates the ongoing decline of a once remarkable man, which is so prevalent in addiction. The reader sees that without proper intervention, a life can be demoralized and ultimately taken away by addiction.

Educator Christine Golding wrote Daddy Came Home a Stranger to help people understand ways children can rise above the turmoil of addiction to learn empathy and forgiveness. The story is a testament of how resilient children can be in the face of extraordinary adversity. They can still dream dreams, find purpose, and thrive.