41 pages • 1 hour read
Karen LevineHana's Suitcase
Nonfiction | Book | Middle Grade | Published in 2002A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Hana's Suitcase by Karen Levine intertwines the story of siblings Hana and George Brady in 1940s Czechoslovakia with the efforts of Fumiko Ishioka, a Japanese museum curator in the early 2000s, to uncover Hana's past. Utilizing photos and primary documents, the narrative depicts the Bradys' normal childhood disrupted by the Holocaust and Fumiko's subsequent quest, which brings Hana's story to light. The text contains graphic descriptions of children's experiences during the Holocaust.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Hana's Suitcase by Karen Levine is widely praised for its poignant storytelling and educational value, effectively blending history with a compelling narrative. Critics appreciate its accessibility to young readers and the emotional depth it provides. Some found its simplicity a drawback for older audiences, but overall, it is commended for its impactful and meaningful content.
Who Should Read Hana's Suitcase?
Readers who appreciate moving historical narratives like The Diary of Anne Frank or Number the Stars would find Hana's Suitcase by Karen Levine compelling. This book is ideal for those interested in true stories of resilience during the Holocaust, aimed at middle-grade to early young adult readers.