The Listening Tree by Celia Barker Lottridge

This takes place during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. Ellen and her mom have to leave their farm and go to Toronto because their farm is drying up. Aunt Gladys owns a boarding house and they and other people live there. Ellen would like to make friends with the other kids but she found it strange, so she climbs onto the elm tree next to her window and listens to the kids below. P.S. Read the book! - Katherine