I just read Weedmonkey by Lisa V. Proulx

Virgie's tale is one of self-reliance and fortitude, overcoming obstacles, and making a life out of nothing. Born to parents who had their own demons to deal with, Virgie had to survive abuse, starvation, and foster care as well as the issues of the day poverty, racism, and segregation. Weedmonkey is a true story about an Appalachian girl who survived and I am so glad to have read her story.