Hana's Suitcase: A True Story

When Hana's suitcase arrives from Germany at the small Holocaust education centre in Japan, all the children who visit want to know about Hana. When Fumiko Ishioka, the centre's curator, decides to find the answers, she embarks on a journey of discovery. This revised edition of the international bestseller includes over 60 pages of new material.

'Really, it's a very ordinary looking suitcase. You could fit quite a lot in it. Books, games, treasures, toys. But nothing is inside it now. Across the front, there is a girl's name, Hana Brady. A date of birth: May 16 1931. And Waisenkind. That's the German word for orphan.'

Where did Hana Brady come from? Where was she going? What did she pack?

What Fumiko finds in Hana's suitcase is a true story of terrible sadness and great joy.

'Such a simple little book and yet so powerful.' Sunshine Coast Sunday.

'an extraordinarily powerful book' Dianne Dempsey, The Age

Along with the original story, this anniversary edition includes updates from the author, Hana's brother, George Brady, and Fumiko Ishioka, and a sampling of the thousands of letters, tributes, artwork and photographs sent in by children touched by Hana's story.

About the Author

Karen Levine has had a more than 30-year career as a producer with CBC Radio. She has won many awards for her work in radio, including two prestigious Peabody Awards. Hana's Suitcasehas taken her into classrooms and communities throughout Canada, the US, Europe, Australia and Japan.