IT HAPPENED TO HANNAH

by Ruth Rounds ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 31, 1954

The extreme emotional confusion religious affiliations can cause are examined rather carefully in a perceptive story of Hannah Adams, nine years old, orphaned and a Methodist who moves with her grandmother to a Jewish community in Washington Heights, New York City. Outcast at first by her fourth grade classmates, Hannah finds a lost Star of David locket on the street, wears it and is enchanted by the friendliness it brings. But then the complications begin- when Hannah is forced to say she'll be absent for Jewish High Holidays and lies to her grandmother about it. In an Israel Bond drive, Hannah buys a chance for a plane trip to Palestine, but draws the number Herbie Rosen, wanted. To make matters worse, Hannah wonders about the nearby Mother Cabrini shrine, visits it, and is inspired by a talk with one of the nuns. Not knowing which way to turn and still keeping her Jewish contacts a secret at home, even after a Methodist pastor has set up a new center in the vicinity- Hanna is finally forced into the open when Herbie, who knows she is not a Jew, tells her to speak up in class, and when she wins the trip to Israel. In confession, Hannah's dilemma is made quite understandable to all. Her love of three faiths strengthens rather than divides the people around her, Hannah herself realizes the necessity of keeping her own faith while respecting the others- and the ticket to Israel goes back to the fund. An appeal that gives some direct answers to many a burning question.

Pub Date: March 31, 1954

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Dutton

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1954

Categories: FICTION