I second the Konigsburg books (From the Mixed Up Files....; A View from Saturday, etc.). Also, how about the Blue Baillett books (Chasing Vermeer, The Wright Three, The Calder Games)...these are fun art-based mysteries that the kids solve. Also, although the Series of Unfortunate Events have all sorts of "tragedies", it is handled in such a hysterical way, that I don't think it is the same as reading Harry Potter. Agree on the Penderwicks!!! How about Charlotte's Web? It is sad, but I'm not sure if it is mostly human-death that is bothering her? Also consider the Mysterious Benedict Society books.
And I wouldn't worry if any books might seem "easy" to you. There are so many amazing stories--Just because we are capable of reading Anna Karenina, doesn't mean we need to do that every day. It would be a shame to miss some of the amazing younger stories. She can whip right through them.
Good luck.
