Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt

From Goodreads.com
1987. There's only one person who has ever truly understood fourteen-year-old June Elbus, and that's her uncle, the renowned painter Finn Weiss. Shy at school and distant from her older sister, June can only be herself in Finn's company; he is her godfather, confidant, and best friend. So when he dies, far too young, of a mysterious illness her mother can barely speak about, June's world is turned upside down. But Finn's death brings a surprise acquaintance into June's life - someone who will help her to heal, and to question what she thinks she knows about Finn, her family, and
even her own heart.
   At Finn's funeral, June notices a strange man lingering just beyond the crowd. A few days later, she receives a package in the mail. Inside is a beautiful teapot she recognizes from Finn's apartment, and a note from Toby, the stranger, asking for an opportunity to meet. As the two begin to spend time together, June realizes she's not the only one who misses Finn, and if she can bring herself to trust this unexpected friend, he just might be the one she needs the most.

   Tell the Wolves I'm Home is one of the most beautifully sad books I've read. When it starts, you know June's heart is going to be broken by her uncle's death. Oh, how I felt for June. It's hard when someone you love passes and everyone else sort of makes it seem like it's just another day, when you feel like you're the only one who misses your loved one and no one else seems to want to talk about it. June feels so alone when she gets the teapot and letter from Toby, who her family hates, and so begins their tenuous "clandestine" friendship. It's a tale of healing and those that help you along the way.
  This novel is about June's personal journey, but her older sister, Greta, is having her own crisis as well. The sisters' relationship is a big point in this book. They used to be best friends, now Greta is mean to June, she's the 'perfect' one; popular, talented, smart. June is...I don't want to say weird, but really she's in her own renaissance world, she spends her days dreaming of another time and has no friends. Their parents are accountants and this takes place during tax season, while they are present, their absence is what matters.
   This book is a tearjerker, I wanted to cry within the first few chapters, June's sense of loss is just so immense. I recommend Tell the Wolves I'm Home to fans of The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.