Love You, Soldier — Amy Hest

Katie didn't know what it really meant to be part of a family...until her father went away.

Katie is only seven when her father leaves to fight in World War II. She and her mother are lonely in their New York City apartment, and they long for him to return safely -- and soon. In the meantime, they find themselves building a whole new family -- one that includes Mama's best friend Louise and her baby, Rosie, and even old Mrs. Leitstein from upstairs. As the months and years pass, Katie grows to care about them more and more. But even so, no one can ever take her father's place...