Bend in the River (Paperback) by Judy Lennington

Jack Gideon's life changed after his mother died. He and his father now live with his grandparents in a small house built from the wood of a raft his great-grandparents floated down the Ohio River on and settled where the river bends. There are several homes in this community known as Wellsville, Ohio. Jack is the only eight-year-old living here. He is bullied by the older boys and teased by the girls. Then, one day, an Irish immigrant family settles in Wellsville and Jack befriends an older boy who changes his life forever.