The Edge Of Next Year — Mary Stolz

The events of his mother's death and his father's resultant alcoholism descend upon 14-year-old Orin Woodward. This strong-willed, intelligently thoughtful youngster assesses the events that have catapulted him into an adult dimension, and takes charge of the household and his precociously effervescent brother as best he can. Orry engages hope, snares it and wrestles it home.