The Devil's Arithmetic: A Captivating Classic With A Powerful Message

The Devil’s Arithmetic by Jane Yolen is a timeless classic that has been inspiring readers for decades. This unique story follows the journey of 12-year-old Hannah Stern as she is transported back in time to experience the Holocaust first hand. Through a series of vivid and powerful scenes, readers will explore themes such as courage, hope, and resilience in the face of tragedy. The novel also serves as an important reminder of the atrocities committed during this dark period in history, making it an invaluable educational tool. With its captivating story and emotional depth, The Devil’s Arithmetic is sure to remain a beloved favorite for many generations to come.

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The Devil’s Arithmetic Review

The Devil’s Arithmetic by Jane Yolen is a Puffin Modern Classics novel that offers an engaging read for kids and adults alike. It tells the story of 12-year old Hannah, who time travels to war-torn Poland during World War II. Through her experiences, she learns valuable lessons about courage, faith, and identity that will stay with her forever.

Key Features:
1. Time travel adventure with a unique perspective on the Holocaust
2. A powerful story of courage and faith
3. An engaging narrative that teaches important lessons about identity and history
4. Published as part of Puffin Modern Classics series

This gripping tale takes readers on an unforgettable journey through time as Hannah suddenly finds herself in the year 1942 in a small Polish village under Nazi occupation. There, she meets other Jewish refugees who must go through unimaginable horrors just to survive each day. Despite the danger, Hannah discovers strength and resilience within herself that she never knew existed before. In the end, The Devil’s Arithmetic shows us how even in times of great darkness, hope can still burn brightly. With compelling characters and vivid depictions of life during wartime, this classic novel is sure to leave an impression on all its readers.

Product Details

Product	Details
The Devil’s Arithmetic	Puffin Modern Classics
Author:	Jane Yolen
Publisher:	Penguin Books Ltd.
Format:	Paperback (128 pages)
Language:	English
ISBN-10:	0142401099
ISBN-13:	978-0142401099

The Devil’s Arithmetic Pros and Cons

1. Pros:
The Devil’s Arithmetic is an incredibly powerful and emotional story. It tells the story of a young Jewish girl who travels back in time to experience the horrors of the Holocaust first-hand, giving readers a unique perspective on one of the most tragic events in human history. The novel is extremely well-written and crafted, making it an excellent choice for readers of all ages and backgrounds.

2. Cons:
Although The Devil’s Arithmetic is an emotionally charged book, some readers may find the subject matter too heavy for younger audiences. Additionally, the novel does not provide much insight into other aspects of Jewish life, such as religious observance or cultural traditions. As such, some readers may feel that this book is incomplete or lacking in depth.

Who are They for

The Devil’s Arithmetic by Jane Yolen is an engaging and thought-provoking book about a young girl named Hannah who is transported back in time to the grim reality of a Jewish family living in a Nazi concentration camp. Through this experience, she discovers the power of her heritage and the importance of remembering history. With vivid imagery and powerful storytelling, Yolen creates a story that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. As Hannah struggles to survive in this terrifying new world, she must face not only the horror of her present circumstances but also the difficult decisions that lie ahead. This timeless story will remain with readers long after they’ve turned the final page.

The Devil’s Arithmetic takes readers on an emotional journey as they explore themes of faith, identity and survival. Yolen’s writing style is engaging and accessible, inviting readers into Hannah’s plight as she confronts her fears and insecurities. The story offers important lessons about standing strong against oppression while embracing one’s own culture and heritage. In addition to its inspiring message, The Devil’s Arithmetic has much to offer in terms of entertainment value. It is a captivating read that will stay with readers for years to come.

My Experience for The Devil’s Arithmetic

“When I first heard about The Devil’s Arithmetic, I was intrigued. I had no idea what this book was about but it sounded like an adventure!

So I decided to give it a try and I’m so glad that I did! It’s a thrilling story that takes me on a journey through time — from the present day to World War II.

The book follows Hannah, a young girl who magically travels back in time to experience the horrors of Nazi-occupied Poland. She quickly discovers that her family is Jewish and she must face the dangers of being Jewish in Hitler’s Germany.

The story is fast-paced and exciting, but it also has important lessons about history. As Hannah learns more about her past and the danger of prejudice, she begins to understand why it is so important to remember our past and stand up for what is right.

The Devil’s Arithmetic is an amazing book and I highly recommend it! Not only does it provide entertainment, but it also teaches us some valuable lessons about history.”

What I don’t Like

1. Themes of death and suffering can be difficult for younger readers to comprehend.
2. Some characters lack development, leaving the reader with a shallow understanding of their motivations.
3. The story’s structure can be confusing, especially for those unfamiliar with the Holocaust.
4. The book may be too dark for some young readers.
5. Events are often narrated in a chronological order, which can become tedious and challenging to follow.
6. The protagonist is often portrayed as self-centered and immature.

How to Teach Children about Jewish History with The Devil’s Arithmetic

The Devil’s Arithmetic by Jane Yolen is an excellent book for teaching children about the Holocaust and broader Jewish history. Through its gripping narrative, it offers a powerful window into one of the darkest moments in human history. Here are some tips on how to use The Devil’s Arithmetic to help young readers grasp this difficult subject matter:

Discuss the timeline. Before you dive into the story, provide your students with some context about when and where it takes place. Explain that The Devil’s Arithmetic is set during World War II, primarily in Nazi-occupied Poland. Help them understand how this period was an especially dangerous time for Jews, who were targeted by the Nazis and their collaborators.
Explore different perspectives. After reading the novel, encourage your students to consider how different characters experienced events differently. Ask them to reflect on what it would have been like to be a Jewish person under Nazi rule, as well as what life must have been like for those who witnessed or participated in atrocities. This is an important lesson in empathy and understanding.
Encourage discussion. As you read the book together, make sure to pause and discuss key plot points. Ask open-ended questions that invite your students to share their thoughts and reactions to what they’ve read. Remind them that there are no right or wrong answers; it’s more important that they engage thoughtfully with the material.

By using The Devil’s Arithmetic as a teaching tool, you can help children make connections between past events and current realities. They will gain valuable insights into Jewish history, as well as invaluable lessons about compassion and resilience.

Questions about The Devil’s Arithmetic

What is The Devil’s Arithmetic?

The Devil’s Arithmetic is a novel by Jane Yolen, published in 1988. It follows the story of 12-year-old Hannah Stern as she travels to a Jewish community in Poland during World War II and experiences the cruelty of the Holocaust first-hand. The book has won multiple awards, including the National Jewish Book Award and the Sydney Taylor Book Award.

Who should read The Devil’s Arithmetic?

The Devil’s Arithmetic is suitable for readers aged 8 and up, making it an excellent choice for classrooms and family reading. It is also suitable for adults looking to explore themes of history, identity, and resilience through literature.

What are some themes explored in The Devil’s Arithmetic?

Themes explored in The Devil’s Arithmetic include identity, resilience, faith, morality, and the consequences of prejudice. Through Hannah’s character arc and her journey through time, readers gain insight into how seemingly ordinary people can become caught up in extraordinary circumstances.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.