Dotty's Suitcase — Constance C. Greene

In Dotty's world, excitement is as scarce as money -- and her desire to escape is bottomless

During the Great Depression, twelve-year-old Dotty dreams of traveling far away -- maybe even to Africa to see crocodiles along the Nile. But first she needs luggage. If she wishes hard enough, she knows she'll get it. When a bag full of money nearly lands in Dotty's lap, adventure awaits. She and her neighbor Jud quickly discover that danger and heartbreak travel with that suitcase, and Dotty realizes that the reality of getting away from her small town may not be all that she imagined.