In the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner.

This youth novel for teenagers was named a Best Book of 2021 by the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and Kirkus Reviews. The story revolves around Cash Pruitt and Delaney Doyle, who live by the Pigeon River in East Tennessee. Both have a parent addicted to opioids, and Cash’s papaw is dying of emphysema, but they are the smartest Appalachian teens in literature. As a result of Delaney’s scientific discovery, they are both recruited to attend a prestigious Connecticut prep school. "Heartfelt and deeply moving...a book that readers will unhesitatingly take to their hearts."—Booklist, starred review. “With profound, evocative prose and lyrical insights into the world surrounding a struggling main character, Zentner's powerful, emotional novel is one you won't soon forget.” —Buzzfeed. “A wise, gorgeous exploration of loss and survival that will make readers cry...Lyrical and heartbreaking.”—School Library Journal, starred review. "Zentner conjures a moving and rich novel about friendship