Hana’s Suitcase by Karen Levine
Hana’s Suitcase by Karen Levine is the true non-fiction account of well . . . Hana’s suitcase. Hana’s story begins in Japan at the Tokyo Holocaust Center where director Fumiko Ishioka is struggling to educate Japan’s youth about the horrors of the Holocaust. Desperate to give the students something physical to bring the realities of the war closer to home, she is able to obtain a child’s suitcase that came from Auschwitz. Painted across the front is the name Hana Brady and a date of birth: May 16, 1931 and the word orphan. The children are desperate to find out everything they can about Hana. Who is she? Where was she from? What happened to her? Fumiko Ishioka promised the children that she would do everything in her power to find out.
It wasn’t easy. She hit roadblock, after roadblock, even traveling to Germany for answers. Finally she is able to pick up some small clues along the way. The town she was from: Nove Mesto in Czechoslovakia. And then her name appears on the list of people at the Theresienstadt ghetto. By sheer chance, Fumiko discovers that Hana had a brother named George and is able to speak to someone who knows George and tells her that he’s alive and well in Canada.
George is blown away when he receives a letter in the mail from Japan stating that his sisters suitcase is on display and would he mind sharing her story with them. Through George we learn that Hana loved to draw, ski, play the piano, and help out in the family store. He even is able to share family photos, drawings and videos. George tells Hana’s story from her journey in their hometown, ultimately to Auschwitz. Hana had always had wanted to be a teacher, and George is touched to know that she was able to have that wish fulfilled, as she taught thousands of Japanese students about the Holocaust.
I was fascinated with this mystery. Told in alternating viewpoints between Hana’s life in the past and Fukimo’s search for her in the present, I knew that Hana ultimately died in Auschwitz, but part of you hopes that she somehow survives. I’d recommend this one for those interested in the impact of cross-cultural education and the mystery of uncovering the life of a small child swallowed up in the evils of the Holocaust.
Hana’s Suitcase has an excellent website where you can learn more about Hana, George, and the rest of her family. There are many wonderful photos (where the ones shown here are from), videos, and updates on her story. I suggest you visit. Apparently, her story has been adopted to the stage as well.
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Category: Book Reviews, History/World Events, Nonfiction
Tags: E-H Title, Genocide, Holocaust, I-L Author, World War II
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Hana’s Suitcase sounds like a winner!
on August 13th, 2008 at 7:36 pmFascinating! I love it when teachers make that extra effort to reach their students – how wonderful that she was able to make contact with George.
on August 13th, 2008 at 7:37 pmWhat a fantastic story! Have you ever read I Never Saw Another Butterfly?
on August 13th, 2008 at 7:53 pmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Never_Saw_Another_Butterfly
It’s a heartbreaking work, and your post reminded me that I have it sitting on my bookshelf. If you are interested in it, I’d be happy to send it to you. Since I am no longer in school or teaching, it’s just sitting there unread. I’d love to pass it on to someone who would be interested, and I think it ties in with Hana’s Suitcase. Email me if you would like it… fizzybeverage at gmail dot com.
-Jill
Wow! This sounds like an amazing story! How great is that teacher for making that effort? I am going to track down a copy of this book for sure. Thanks!
on August 13th, 2008 at 7:55 pmThis sounds like a really cool book and a good perspective to teach children about the holocaust. We’ve all read the “Diary of Anne Frank” but this looks like another great factual and historical account. I’d really like to read this one.
By the way….I just noticed I am a ‘Top Commentor” now. HA. Nothing about those comments being worthwhile ones
But hey….I’m up there!
on August 14th, 2008 at 8:29 amYou review the best books! Thanks for the info!
on August 14th, 2008 at 9:18 amThanks for including the website link. I sent this to my sister. She is an elementary school teacher and I thought she might be able to use it.
on August 14th, 2008 at 11:30 amseems like a very heart-warming historical read. I would love to really have a copy of this book.
on August 14th, 2008 at 3:37 pmthat sounds very interesting! i think i would read something about that! it makes me just as curious!
on August 14th, 2008 at 6:05 pmAmber – It is!
Heather – I think she was about to faint when she realized that George was alive. He was the missing link to the whole thing.
Softdrink – So funny that you should mention that book because when I was linking up this book to my amazon affiliate, I noticed I Never Saw Another Butterfly being recommended. I had never heard of it but looked at it. I noticed that it deals with the same ghetto. I would love to read this book. I’ll email you! Thanks!!
Jeanette – I hope you enjoy it. Did I mention it’s Juvenile Non-fiction? I don’t know if I did. So in other words, for me, it’s the perfect read.
Jenn M. – Yay for being a top commentator! You know they aren’t worthwhile! I get really excited with every new comment I receive. It’s like a little high boost every time!
Tracy – Ahh . . . thanks!
Terri B. – I love it when books have websites. I get very excited!
Ivan Girl – I read a library copy. This is one that I wouldn’t mind adding to my personal collection.
Ginger – The story flowed really well. I think you would enjoy it.
on August 14th, 2008 at 10:44 pmDefinitely going on the list! This sounds like a fascinating and beautiful book. I picked up the diary of Anne Frank a few months ago; I need to find the time to read it soon!
on August 15th, 2008 at 1:48 pmI’ve got to have this book! Thanks for the review.
on August 16th, 2008 at 8:24 pmWhat a fascinating story, and how amazing that George has been able to honor his sister. Thanks for sharing.
on August 20th, 2008 at 9:28 amreally really cool
on September 9th, 2008 at 7:37 pmI really injoyed reading ur artical on hana brady and also thx because i am doing a project on hana and i got most of my info of this websit and again thx and good jod
on February 20th, 2009 at 3:19 pmhello hana your book is great I have just started reading your book hope to get talking to you soon
on March 13th, 2009 at 3:49 pm