Against the Storm by Gaye Hicyilmaz

For eleven-year-old Mehmet, spring in his tiny Turkish village with the fruit trees in bloom is the most beautiful time of the year. How could anybody possibly be thinking of leaving? But leave his family he does, to try for a better living in the bustling city of Ankara. With help and friendship of Muhlis, a streetwise young orphan, and the strength of his own will, Mahemt is determined to find a better life.