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Realistic fiction about a boy whose father has disappeared/been absent from his life for years. He goes on a quest to find him and for some reason a homeless/juvenile delinquent boy is on the quest, too.
It's told in alternating chapters, and the JD boy's chapters appear handwritten, with illustrations as well.
The book's cover shows a pine forest, with a cutout in the middle showing clouds. The cutout is in the shape of a man (symbolizing the missing father).

SPOILERS:


In the end the boy either doesn't find his father, or is disappointed when he does.

Bump!

In some ways this sounds like Dead Ends but it is not an exact match.

About when did you read this? Was it relatively new at the time?

V. wrote: "Bump!"

Please note that the bump period for this group is 30 days, because the group is so large.

Of course if you remember new information, you can add it at any time.

Adele wrote: "In some ways this sounds like Dead Ends but it is not an exact match.

About when did you read this? Was it relatively new at the time?"

It was relatively new at the time, yes. I read it in the early 2000s so "Dead Ends" probably isn't the right match.

I've read this, but I can't remember the entire title. :(
I can give you part of it, though!
It had the main character's name in it. The first name was "Homer", I think.

Spoilers:
The MC's father was an artist who (I think) abandoned the family because he knew he was dying of a brain disease...

Sorry that I couldn't be more help!

Following Fake Man by Barbara Ware Holmes?

Yes, that was it! I'm not the OP, of course, but i'm convinced that it's their book. :D

Give it a minute.

Ayshe wrote: "Following Fake Man by Barbara Ware Holmes?"

Yes, this is the book!! Oh my goodness, thank you so much!!!

You're welcome, but thanks are due to Raevyn. I just used worldcat.org's advanced search for "Homer" and "father" and there it was :)