Hannah’s is the only Jewish family in a small Minnesota prairie town early in the twentieth century. She hasn’t lived there long, and as the time for a Saturday class picnic draws near she wants badly to go, but her Orthodox faith forbids her riding in a car on Saturdays. Embarrassed to explain the truth to anyone, Hannah gets permission from her parents to walk the two miles to the picnic but only if she can find someone to walk with her. Hannah finally confides in her teacher, who explains to the class that Hannah needs a companion. The response is more than Hannah hoped for when everyone volunteers. An author’s note tells how a historical basis for Hannah’s story of friendship and support was found in an exhibit about Jewish women in the Upper Midwest at the Minnesota History Center. (Ages 5–9)

After Papa loses his job during the Depression, Hannah's family moves to rural Minnesota, where she is the only Jewish child in her class. When her teacher tries to arrange carpools for a Saturday class picnic, Hannah is upset. Her Jewish family is observant, and she knows she cannot ride on the Sabbath. What will she do? A lovely story of friendship and community.