SOLVED. YA Novel about two sisters with an abusive mother. Older sister runs away and lives in a garage. [s]

[Rachel]

I remember very little about this book but I’ll do my best.

There are two sisters and they are very close. They live with both their parents but their mother is physically abusive, particularly to the older sister. At one point the mother catches the older sister trying on one of the mother’s dresses so she beats her (I believe with a wooden hanger). Older sister runs away and younger sister tries to find her. I think she talks to a guy who works at a gas station about her missing sister. Eventually the guy and the younger sister track down the older sister living in a neighbor’s garage.

— start maybe spoilers —
Something happens with the mom to make her less abusive I think.
She gives her daughters a black felt carousel horse.
There’s a general feeling of happiness.
— end maybe spoilers —

Thanks for reading!

[Becca]

Roughly when did you read it?

There's an older sister who runs away from their abusive mother in Pictures in the Dark by Pat Mauser McCord, and her boyfriend works at a gas station, but I'm not sure if it fits the other details you remember.

If not, this list might be helpful - Runaways in YA and Middle Grade Fiction.

[Becca]

Just found a description of Pictures in the Dark on WorldCat that says "Everything comes to a head when Carlie is caught and beaten for trying on one of her mother's dresses", so I think it might be the one!

[Rachel]

That’s definitely it! Thank you so much!!

[Becca]

Rachel wrote: "That’s definitely it! Thank you so much!!"

You're welcome! Glad to help.