Hazel Newman Krantz

My story is much like Benny's. The Secret Raft was my favorite book as a child. I acquired it from a school book fair. At work, the organization newsletter requested people write with their favorite books from childhood, in celebration of Read Across America. The Secret Raft immediately came to mind, but I didn't recall the author. In looking that up, I discovered this obituary. It appears to be the only thing on the internet about Hazel Krantz.
I will be seeking out her other books....

I was a young boy in S Alabama when I found my great aunt's copy of The Secret Raft. It was always a treat for me to go to her house and try to finish it before my parents finished with their visit. I read quickly for my age, but always looked forward to seeing how fast I could get through it whenever we visited, and I must have read that story at least three dozen times before I was 13. My great aunt eventually caught on to how much the book meant to me, and made it a gift, but couldn't know...

We remember well Hazel's vibrant Spirit and zest for Life! What an amazing legacy and family...

Our loving greetings to all her family and friends,

Bob & Shareen Ewing

Hazel was such a wonderful person! We shared a passion for children's books, and Hazel also was a mentor as my husband and I raised our children, both adopted and homegrown. My condolences for your loss.

Dear Joyce and Larry,

We will miss Hazel's joy and zest for life. Our condolences to you on your loss.

Larry and Cinda Clark,
Friendship Force