The Devil's Arithmetic

Why does Hannah goes back to the Holocaust? Is it a punishment for her behavior at Seder? Is it to learn about the importance of family, community, and empathy? Is it a mixture of both, or are there different reasons for Hannah’s time traveling? Cite examples from the text.

Could Hannah have prevented herself from going back in time? How could she have treated her mom, Grandpa Will, and the rest of her family to demonstrate that she already has understanding and empathy?

There are many other books about the Holocaust told from a young person’s point of view. For instance, Yolen has written a few other books about the Holocaust, like Mapping the Bones (2018) and Briar Rose (1992). Choose one of the books, read it, and compare that book’s story to the story in The Devil’s Arithmetic. Consider elements like plot, characterization, tone, and message.