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Jane Yolen

The Devil's Arithmetic

Jane YolenFiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1988

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Book Brief

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Jane Yolen

The Devil's Arithmetic

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1988
Book Details
Pages

176

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Poland • 1940s

Publication Year

1988

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

730L

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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.

Emotional

Mysterious

Dark

Melancholic

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.3

62,628 ratings

74%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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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.

4.3

62,628 ratings

74%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

176

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Poland • 1940s

Publication Year

1988

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

730L

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