I purchased this book at a bookstore in northern Wisconsin based on their recommendations and loved it. As far as I know it is only available from the site below or used at Amazon. (or travel to Red Berry books in Northern Wisconsin!)
Five Friends Books - Fall to Grace
It is definitely on my list of all time favorite books I've read.
Two young boys from very different backgrounds meet and become friends because of tragedies in each of their lives. Much of it takes place in northern Minnesota. I read it last summer and can still remember all the characters. I hope there is a sequel. (edit - the author is Kerry Casey not Case - can't edit the title)