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About the Book The Devil's Arithmetic

The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen is a powerful work of historical fiction that brings the horrors of the Holocaust to life through the eyes of a young girl. Written for a younger audience, it serves as an introduction to this dark chapter in human history.

The Devil's Arithmetic follows the story of Hannah Stern, a twelve-year-old Jewish girl living in New Rochelle, New York. Initially indifferent to her heritage and the traditions her family holds dear, Hannah is transported back in time to 1942 Poland during a Passover Seder. In this historical setting, she assumes the identity of Chaya Abramowicz, a young girl who has recently lost her parents to a typhus epidemic.

Hannah/Chaya is soon captured by the Nazis and sent to a concentration camp, where she experiences the brutal realities of life during the Holocaust. Throughout her harrowing ordeal, she befriends other prisoners, including Rivka, who plays a crucial role in helping her understand the importance of memory and identity. Hannah's journey is one of transformation, as she goes from a modern-day girl who takes her freedom for granted to someone who fully grasps the weight of her ancestors' suffering.

National Jewish Book Award winner

Themes in the book The Devil's Arithmetic

Memory and Identity: One of the central themes in The Devil's Arithmetic is the importance of memory and its role in shaping identity. Hannah's initial disinterest in her Jewish heritage highlights a generational gap in understanding the significance of history. Through her time-travel experience, she learns that remembering the past is crucial not just for honoring those who suffered but also for understanding who she is.

Sacrifice and Survival: The novel also explores the theme of sacrifice and survival. Characters in the concentration camp are faced with unimaginable choices, often having to sacrifice their own well-being for the sake of others. This theme is particularly evident in the character of Rivka, who teaches Hannah the rules of survival in the camp, emphasizing the importance of community and mutual support.

The Horrors of the Holocaust: Yolen does not shy away from depicting the brutal realities of the Holocaust. The graphic descriptions of life in the concentration camp serve to educate young readers about the atrocities committed during this period. The novel acts as a stark reminder of the consequences of hatred and intolerance, making it an essential read for fostering empathy and understanding.

Activity Ideas for the book The Devil's Arithmetic

Historical Context: Provide students with a background on World War II and the Holocaust. Discuss key events leading up to the Holocaust and its impact on Jewish communities.

Character Analysis: Discuss the transformation of Hannah/Chaya throughout the novel. How does her experience shape her understanding of her heritage?

Theme Exploration: Engage students in a discussion about the themes of memory, identity, sacrifice, and survival. How do these themes resonate with the characters' experiences?

Author Study: Explore Jane Yolen's other works and her contributions to literature. Discuss how her background and experiences may have influenced The Devil's Arithmetic.

Personal Reflection: Ask students to write a reflective essay on how reading The Devil's Arithmetic has changed their perspective on history and memory. What lessons have they learned, and how can they apply these lessons to their own lives?