50 pages 1 hour read

Jane Yolen

The Devil's Arithmetic

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1988

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Jane Yolen's The Devil’s Arithmetic, almost 13-year-old Hannah Stern, disinterested in her family’s Passover Seder, finds herself transported from the late 1980s to 1942 Poland where she experiences the Holocaust firsthand, providing a powerful portrayal of memory, identity, and survival against a backdrop of historical and fantastical elements. The book includes traumatic depictions of the Holocaust.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen skillfully blends historical fiction and fantasy, drawing readers into the harrowing experience of the Holocaust through the eyes of a modern protagonist. Many commend the book for its emotional depth and historical accuracy, though some critics feel the fantasy element undermines the gravity of the subject. Suitable for young readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Devil's Arithmetic?

Readers who appreciate historical fiction, particularly young adult novels set during World War II, would enjoy Jane Yolen's The Devil's Arithmetic. This book suits fans of Lois Lowry's Number the Stars and Marcus Zusak's The Book Thief, offering a poignant blend of history, survival, and personal growth.

Recommended

Reading Age

10-14years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction

Fantasy

Period

WWII / World War II

Holocaust

Themes

Life/Time: Coming of Age