What's the Name of That Book??? discussion

I read this book recently [within the last year] and can't for the life of me find it: it follows the life of a young boy. His family is of modest means and he grows up quite alone - but near a more affluent neighborhood. He is befriended by another boy from that neighborhood. This other boy is something of a juvenile delinquent. He also has a sister [a twin?] who plays classical music [piano]. Our young boy uses what little means he has to buy a recording for this girl's birthday.

There is an incident where the other boy is called to the principal's office but doesn't get punished as others would have expected. [He talks his way out of it…] There is also the death of a teacher [hot tub?], and an incident of sexual contact between the two boys in the woods near where they live.

The other boy ends up going off to battle - and I think may come home badly wounded [I may be wrong here].

The book follow the boy to NYC - and he reconnects with the sister - but she is already seeing and planning on marrying another…

More will come to me… but that's what I have for now…
Thanks!

Mitch, please add plot details (a summary) and genre (young adult?) to your topic header/title using the "edit" link on the desktop website (not mobile app). Someone is more likely to recognize your book. Just ask if you'd like help with this.

Tips for posting a book request: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I found it! The Nix by Nathan Hill.

Glad you found your book, Mitch. Here's the link - The Nix by Nathan Hill.