The devil's arithmetic

Jane Yolen

Cover of The devil's arithmetic

The devil's arithmetic

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Jane Yolen

Reading Level 4-5 9IE Ages 9-12 Heads Up

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.

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About This Book

The sharp scent of smoke and the distant murmur of hurried footsteps fill the air. Suddenly, the world shifts beneath Hannah’s feet, and she finds herself in a quiet village where everyone speaks a language she barely knows. Feeling the weight of history and hope, she discovers courage she never imagined — but will it be enough to change her story?

Themes

Jewish HeritageTime TravelHistorical FictionComing of AgeFamilySurvival

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade novel follows Hannah, a young Jewish girl who is transported back in time to Nazi-occupied Poland during World War II. Through her journey, readers gain a powerful perspective on Jewish heritage, the horrors of concentration camps, and the importance of remembrance. Suitable for ages 9-12, this book sensitively addresses difficult historical themes and may prompt important conversations about identity and resilience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9IE — Intense — Emotional
Emotional
Intense
Physical
Moderate
Social
Moderate
Thematic
Intense

Heavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.

Content Flags

Concentration Camp Depictions Historical Atrocities
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
8
Theme Richness
8
World Scope
5
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

170 pages
ISBN
9780590965781
Pages
170
Publisher
Scholastic
Published
1988
Type
Fiction

Genres

Concentration camps

Subjects

JewsConcentration CampsTime TravelPolandOccupation, 1939-1945Young Adult FictionNational Jewish Book AwardHistoricalHolocaust, JewishHolocaustJewish

Places

Poland