The Devil's Arithmetic

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Modern Age
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The Devil's Arithmetic
Author: Yolen, Jane
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Time Period: Modern Age
Time Frame: 1942
Geographic Area: Europe
Country: Poland
Topics: Holocaust
Genre: Fiction, Historical Fantasy
Reading Age: Upper Middle, Young Adult
Format: Chapter Book
Published: 1988


World History > Modern Age > WWII / Holocaust

Hannah is tired of holiday gatherings−all her family ever talks about is the past. In fact, it seems to her that's what they do every Jewish holiday. But this year's Passover Seder will be different−Hannah will be mysteriously transported into the past . . . and only she knows the unspeakable horrors that await.

Winner of the National Jewish Book Award

Emily's Review

This was a foundational book for me. I first read it when I was around the age of 12 and it sent me on a research deep-dive about the Holocaust that I've never been able to escape. I related to Hannah at the beginning of the book, tired of always remembering, finding all the pomp and ceremony of Jewish holidays, particularly the Passover Seder boring. This wasn't the first time I'd encountered the Holocaust, but it was the first time it had been so immersive and real. I loved everything from the time-travel, to the storytelling, to realizing just what her great aunt and uncle had been through. I've shared this story with all four of my children, and I feel like it is an excellent introduction to the Holocaust.

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