Tunes for Bears to Dance To — Robert Cormier

Money's tight and Henry is lucky to have the job at Mr. Hairston's grocery store. His parents are both lost in despair following the death of Henry's older brother, and Henry is glad for the opportunity to feel like he's helping. Saving to buy a marker for Eddie's grave, Henry tries to ignore Mr. Hairston's commentary about the customers.
 
But Henry is shocked when he is told he's being laid off. That is, unless he agrees to do one thing, one terrible thing.