SOLVED. Middle grade novel. Boy moves in with cousin named Gypsy and her grandparents, in rural town. His mother left him and his father. Spoiler ahead. [s]

[Sarah]

This chapter book is about a boy who moves in with his girl cousin named Gypsy and grandparents. His mom left him and his father, only taking one of the boy's outfits (this part is a big deal- she didn't take the truck, or any of her own clothes). It takes place in a rural town, I think between 1920-1965. It's a realistic novel, no fantasy, etc.
The boy and girl go to school together; I think there's a forward-thinking teacher.
It's revealed toward the end that the girl's dad had committed suicide (that's why she's with the grandparents). I think he was a firefighter with PTSD. This was a big question throughout the book, and it's only revealed by a school bully.
There's an incident where the grandma is hosting the local women's club, and the boy pranks the preacher's wife by convincing her that she had accidentally drank alcohol, so she acts drunk. She jumps in the river, and all the other women join her.

[Rainbowheart]

When did you read it?

[Sarah]

Rainbowheart wrote: "When did you read it?"

I read it in 2003, but I don't think it was new at the time

[Kris]

Sarah, I added some plot details to the topic header. Feel free to update it by clicking the small “edit” link after the header. This only works on the full Desktop website – not the Mobile website or app.

Can you tell us more about the boy - e.g., age, personality, hobbies, skills?

Why did his mother leave her family? Does his father live alone, and what is his job?

What's the tone - e.g., sad/somber, angsty, funny at times?

[Else]

I believe the book you're looking for is called Belle Prater's boy by Ruth white.

[Rainbowheart]

Belle Prater's Boy for Else's suggestion.

[Sarah]

Yes, that's it! Thank you so much! It was bothering me so much

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

This is a fairly popular book, requested 7X now.