Tuesday, June 1, 2010

The Devil's Arithmatic by Jane Yolen


Hannah is a twelve year old Jewish girl, who, like most young girls, is embarrassed by her family. She, however, is embarrassed because they are Jewish. Her grandfather survived the Holocaust and is constantly, and sometimes obnoxiously, attempting to relate his account. He wants Hannah to remember. Despite her families efforts to engage Hannah in their family heritage, she resists. During their celebration of the Passover, Hannah is chosen to open their front door as a tradition to "let Elijah in." When she opens the door she is transported to another time and place - Germany during the Holocaust.

I have always loved stories about the Holocaust. I think they are fascinating. This book did not fail to meet that expectation. It added another dimension to the history of the Holocaust. It made the event more real through it's portrayal of Hannah, a modern character, in the heat of it. I loved this book and would definitely recommend it.

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