The Railway Children - Edith Nesbitová

When Roberta, Peter and Phyllis' dad is suddenly and unexpectedly sent to prison, the children are suddenly pulled away from their comfortable suburban life. They move with their mother to the "Three Chimneys," a countryside house that sits near the railway. As the children settle into their new life, the railway allows them to meet and befriend a series of characters, some of whom need their help, and some whom might just be able to help them. First published in 1905 as a serial, "The Railway Children" has been popular with readers from its beginning. It has been adapted to the screen and the stage several times, and remain a children's favourite to this day.