The Myth of Perpetual Summer by Susan Crandall

This coming-of-age novel combines the best of true Southern stories and dysfunctional families like that of Jeanette Wall's "Glass Castle". Tallulah and her brothers have the full run of their small Mississippi town in the 60's unless their Grandmother reins them in.
Their Dad is manic-depressive and has unpredictable mood swings and Mom (who prefers for her children to call her Margo), is off crusading for civil rights or any other cause that will take her away from parenting. It is no wonder that each of the kids has issues and is an emotional mess. I loved the quiet and steady neighbor Ross who is Tallulah's savior and protector in addition to being her big brother Griff's best friend. Tallulah tries to manage the family and fix every crisis that happens and somehow finds her own strength.
As is with any Southern gothic masterpiece, there are plenty of skeletons in the closet for Talulah to uncover. Pour yourself some sweet tea and settle down on the porch to enjoy this touching and heartfelt book.