Relates Sally Jane's experience of changing times in rural America, as she lives through the drowning of the Swift River towns in western Massachusetts to form the Quabbin Reservoir.

In the year before they become the orphans known as the Boxcar children, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden live with their parents at Fair Meadow Farm, where, although times are hard, they take in a family who has been stranded in their car during a blizzard.

The Melendy family moves to a house in the country where a secret room, a cupola, a stable, and a brook provide Mona, Rush, Randy, and Oliver with adventures far different from the city life to which they are accustomed.

When New York City native Becket Branch moves to the country with her family to help run her grandmother's farm and store, she finds that new friends, hostile chickens, sour lemonade and mischief are only the beginnings of her new life. -- Provided by Publisher.

Bria is not happy about being stuck on her aunt and uncle's dairy farm for the summer. Milking cows alongside her cousin Wren? No thanks. Instead, she sticks to mixing up milkshakes in the creamery, where she starts crafting over-the-top shakes like the ones she loved back home in Chicago. Wren, and the customers, aren't impressed. Everyone thinks Bria is just a snobby city girl. There is one person who appreciates the sweet, cold treats: Gabe, her...

The author used to live in the busy city where there were buses and trains, and people waiting for buses and trains. Now he lives in the country and jubilantly takes us on a tour of his home, pointing out all the animals that share his space.

On a short winter day, Samuel and his father enter into a series of trades with neighbors and strangers until they come home with a brown-eyed milk cow for Mama.

City mouse William Gray and country mouse Tansy become good friends who enjoy visiting each other in the country and the city, but they miss each other when they are apart--is there a way for them to meet halfway without giving up the city and country lives they love?

Jack's grandfather is always grumpy, and a bit scary, too, but during a visit to the country house where "Grumpy Grandpa" lives with the brave Aunt Ellie and Uncle Wilbur, Jack learns that his grandfather was once very different.

When Holly's family moves from the city to a farm, she longs to get a horse for her birthday. Based on events in the author's childhood.