Face to Face by Marion Dane Bauer, 1991

Michael, the target of bullies, thinks having a gun will help his situation and that he will no longer be an easy target. But the gun he receives for his thirteenth birthday is taken away from him before the end of the day. His estranged father calls for the first time in eight years to invite him for a visit. Michael thinks this will be the panacea for all his problems, but of course, it is not. He finds that his father is not the father he needs. Recommended.