This is a moving and memorable read that puts a fresh spin on Holocaust stories by combining time travel with historical fiction. Readers see WWII through the eyes of a modern Jewish girl - her journey from rolling her eyes at family traditions to living the unimaginable horrors firsthand is both relatable and powerful. The book makes difficult history accessible without sugarcoating, and the importance of memory and empathy is front and center. Perfect for middle schoolers, teens, or anyone interested in historical fiction that doesn’t shy away from hard truths. Teachers and reading groups will find lots to discuss here.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers felt the book wasn’t historically precise enough, or wanted a more detailed focus on concentration camp realities - especially older readers who have read other WWII literature. The time travel element and occasional lack of character depth may make it feel less authentic or too simplistic for adults or history buffs. A few also found the dialogue a bit heavy-handed or wished the story had gone deeper. Sensitive readers and children under 10 may find some scenes too intense or emotional.

A powerful, accessible, and empathetic introduction to Holocaust history for young readers - not perfect, but an unforgettable story that makes the past feel personal and important to remember.

About:

The Devil's Arithmetic follows the story of Hannah, a modern Jewish girl who is transported back in time to the Holocaust era, becoming Chaya, a young Jewish girl in 1942 Poland. Through this experience, Hannah learns about her family's past, the horrors of concentration camps, and the importance of remembering history. The book delves into themes of sacrifice, empathy, and the significance of cultural heritage, all narrated in a gripping and poignant style that captivates readers of all ages.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Hannah/Chaya serving as a relatable main character who undergoes transformative experiences.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and suitable for the target audience, effectively portraying the harsh realities of the Holocaust while maintaining an accessible tone.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on a contemporary Jewish girl who travels back in time, becoming part of a historical narrative that reveals the horrors of the Holocaust.

Setting:

The setting alternates between a contemporary American Jewish family context and the grim realities of 1940s Poland under Nazi occupation.

Pacing:

The pacing is brisk and suitable for younger readers, allowing the story to maintain tension while conveying important themes.

“Look,” she said quickly to Aaron to shut him up, “it doesn’t matter if you make a mistake, Ron-ron, but if you do, I’ll be right there next to you. I’ll whisper it into your ear just like they do in ...

Notes:

The Devil's Arithmetic is a historical fiction novel by Jane Yolen about the Holocaust.

The story revolves around a Jewish American girl named Hannah who is bored with her family's Passover traditions.

Hannah is magically transported back to 1942 Poland after opening the door for the prophet Elijah.

In the past, she assumes the identity of Chaya, a girl from the village who faces the impending Nazi invasion.

The novel emphasizes the importance of remembering the past, especially the Holocaust, which affected Hannah's family deeply.

Hannah, now Chaya, struggles to convince the villagers of the danger they are in, as they do not believe her warnings about the Nazis.

The narrative explores the dehumanizing experiences in the concentration camps, such as loss of identity and the brutality faced by the victims.

Chaya learns the significance of sacrifice when she takes her friend Rivka's place to protect her from being sent to the gas chamber.

The title refers to the 'Devil's Arithmetic', symbolizing how lives were reduced to numbers in the camps.

The book addresses themes of memory, cultural identity, and the importance of familial connections and traditions.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains medium content warnings, addressing themes of violence, death, and the Holocaust, which may be distressing to some readers.

From The Publisher:

Hannah is tired of hearing about the Nazis during the Holocaust, but when she opens the door for Elijah at the Passover Seder, she is transported in time to 1940s Poland, where she is captured and put in a death camp. A girl named Rivka befriends her, teaching her how to fight the dehumanization of the camp and hold onto her identity.

1988

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173 pages

Ratings (14)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (8)
Liked It (3)

Reader Stats (43):

Read It (16)
Want To Read (13)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (13)

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The Devil's Arithmetic

Jane Yolen

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