These Happy Golden Years by Laura Ingalls Wilder
 
Fifteen-year-old Laura lives apart from her family for the first time, teaching school in a claim shanty twelve miles from home. She is very homesick, but keeps at it so that she can pay for her sister Mary's tuition at the college for the blind. During school vacations Laura has fun with her singing lessons, going on sleigh rides and best of all, helping Almanzo Wilder drive his new buggy. Friendship soon turns to love for Laura & Almanzo in the romatic conclusion of this Little House book. Recommended for ages 8 to 12.
 
A 1944 Newbery Honor book.