Autumn Street — Lois Lowry

When her father leaves home to fight in World War II, Elizabeth goes with her mother and older sister to live in her grandfather's stately old house on Autumn Street. It's there that Elizabeth forms a special friendship with Tatie, the cook, and Tatie's young grandson Charles.

Whenever Charles comes to visit, he and Elizabeth share wonderful times. But on the winter day that they venture out through the stinging snow to try Elizabeth's new sled, stark tragedy in the woods changes her safe world forever.