The Devil's Arithmetic

Book Description

Hannah thinks tonight's Passover Seder will be the same as always. Little does she know that this year she will be mysteriously transported into the past where only she knows the horrors that await.

Customer Reviews:

The Devil's Arithmetic.......2007-09-02

Hannah is a young woman, thirteen years old and a fairly normal sounding teenager. She has no true understanding of her family's culture, or of the memories that are in her blood, ones shares and must not forget. Hannah is reborn into Chaya, as she is taken from a normal, rural life in 1942, into one of the Nazi death camps. We watch as the daily struggles for life transform this teenagers understanding of her world, what it has become and what it was. The glimpses of her true time period, the 1980's, are seen as madness in the camps, but she speaks truth. And she remembers the most important gift of all. Chaya gives up her life for Hannah's ancestor, Rivka, so she may escape to live her life. I enjoyed the family future and past connections; it made the book at that more personal since the readers become so close to her extended family, all in both versions of time. The deep emotions this book brings to the surface would take a careful working, well versed teacher. But this book is told in a way that is an accurate, as well as age appropriate way of explaining, in first person, some of the atrocities that humans can do to one another. On page 163, where Hannah is back in her own time and explains to Aunt Eva what the numbers on her arm mean, I almost started crying. What a powerful way to end the book. "J18202. J is for Jew. And 1 because you were alone, alone of the 8 who had been in your family, though 2 was the actual number of them alive..."

Not Enough Depth.......2007-08-26

This was a good book, but it wasn't as informative as I had hoped it would be.

Great book...made me cry.......2007-03-21

I read this in 7th grade some years ago and I couldn't help but cry in class and hope in the future this doesn't happen again. At that time, I knew about the holocaust pretty well and seeing a movie called Paperclips the previous year I say I knew enough, but this book showed it in a simpler way. It was in a view of a girl around my age then or so and it was so very emotional and powerful. This is a great book to read or lend to a friend to show them a part of a history. You learn that Jews are people aswell like any others and they can be a spanish jew, english jew, american jew and so on. It isn't an ethnic/race, it's a religion. Killing Jews then is like killing Catholics right now or any other religion. Jews did nothing wrong, but even today I know some people that hate them, but for no reason, only because they were taught to or what their family believed. After I lended this book to some friends, they understood more.

Overall, this is a great book, which can not only be enjoyed by teenagers, preteens and such, but for adults aswell. You understand it more than by just reading history books, this gives you a story to go along with it and it stays in your mind and doesn't go away like when you study for a one time exam and it is no use to you after you ace the test. This is a really must read.

The Devil's Arithmetic.......2007-03-13

The more that are added the more that are subtracted...
"The devil's arithmetic," that was what Gitl called it. Everyday, more and more Zungangi arrive at the camps. Everyday more Jews are chosen. The more in the camps the less in the world. Adding and subtracting. The children think the work is hard, but the Jews hated it because they subtracted lives and added Jews to the horror.
It all started when Hannah, a young Jewish girl, resented going to her family's traditions. She symbolically opened the door to the prophet Elijah after she drank too much wine at her family's Passover Seder. She is transported back in time to 1942, just before the Holocaust. The Nazis came and took the Jews away. Hannah tried to warn people about the concentration camps but nobody believed her. Hannah learned why all of her relatives were so upset about the numbers on their left arms.
The Devil's Arithmetic, by Jane Yolen, was very descriptive and touching, especially when Chaya makes a sacrifice -a big one- for family, friends, and religion. This was a fabulous insight on what really happened in the Holocaust. This book made you feel like you were really in the concentration camps and you could almost hear the harsh voices and smell the horrible smells of blood and sweat.
We highly recommend this book for readers of all ages. It gives you a whole other opinion on the Holocaust and lets you really know how horrible it was and how many people died long, slow, painful deaths. It makes you cry, laugh, smile, and opens up a whole new point of view.

Sucked Into the Past a review by James, Taylor, Jonahthan, Sebastianne, Rebecca, and Danilo.......2007-03-13

Picture this, you are a thirteen year old girl who hates going to her family Seder. You're forced to go anyway, and you open the door for the prophet Elijah. In the award winning (National Jewish Book Award) novel the Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen, weird things start to happen. Jane Yolen captivates the heart and soul in each and every reader, ensuring that readers will be delighted to the fullest.
The Devil's Arithmetic is about a girl named Hannah at her Passover Seder she opens the door to the prophet Elijah and ends up in a small village in 1942. It's during the second World War, before this Hannah lives in New Rochelle with her father, mother, and little brother. But after that fateful night, when she was hurled into the past she became different. People keep confusing her with someone else, a girl named Chaya. They talk about her parents, dead from Cholera and a place called Lublin. But her parents are fine aren't they? At a wedding,Hannah, the bride, groom, and everyone else are captured by the Nazi's and taken to concentration camps. Once there, Hannah doesn't know past from present. In this book Hannah goes from being selfish to fighting for the Jews, being strong although people have lost all hope, and being brave even though she knows only fate lie ahead. Jane Yolen brings the past into the present with this dynamic book that draws you into the setting. It makes you want to cry, and in the end sigh with relief. This book tells you to never give up and to be grateful for what you have. It is a lesson on how cruel people can really be.
Everyone will enjoy this captivating book about survival. I would recommend this book to kids age 11 and up. People who enjoy history and survival books will appreciate this astounding story about the Holocaust by the wonderful author Jane Yolen.

Lighting a Lamp: A Diwali Story (Festival Time)

Average customer rating:

Nice Introduction to Diwali!

Lighting a Lamp: A Diwali Story (Festival Time)
Jonny Zucker
Manufacturer: Barron's Educational Series
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Accessories:

ASIN: 0764126709

Book Description

Books in the Festival Time series describe the activities of typical families as parents and children celebrate some of their culture’s major holidays. Attractive color illustrations on every page will appeal to younger children. The simply yet delightfully told stories describe the festivities while giving children background information about holidays in many different cultures. A two-page spread at the back of each book contains information for parents, and includes suggestions on ways to communicate the holiday’s meaning to kids. Diwali is the Hindu five-day festival of lights that welcomes in the lunar new year. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashwin, or Aasho, which occurs in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar. During the festival, parents tell stories that relate to the holiday, exchange gifts of sweets, light candles, and attend elaborate fireworks displays. The holiday is marked by an abundance of lights displayed in homes and businesses.

Customer Reviews:

Nice Introduction to Diwali! .......2004-11-17

I really am pleased how it approaches its subject matter. Most children's books about international holidays are too technical and long to be used as a read aloud. This book can be useful and provide useful information. If a student wants more they can read a more complex book later. It also helps include an ESOL child's holiday in class, even young kids.

Our Golda: The Story of Golda Meir (Women of Our Time)

Average customer rating:

Excellent

Our Golda: The Story of Golda Meir (Women of Our Time)
David A. Adler
Manufacturer: Puffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Asia | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0140321047

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2000-02-04

I think this story touches on the basics of the women of the century-Golda Mier was definitely an outstanding woman and this author has touched on the finer points regarding her character. I've already read her biography and another non-fiction book written about her times and travels...beginning in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Being a Wisconsin native myself-This woman definitely inspires me. True to form, Golda is portrayed as a strong, determined woman on a mission..somewhat along the lines of Eleonor Roosevelt.

Fasting and Dates: A Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr Story (Festival Time)

Average customer rating:

It's the Missing Ramadan Book!

Fasting and Dates: A Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr Story (Festival Time)
Jonny Zucker
Manufacturer: Barron's Educational Series
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Islam | Religions | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Children's Books | Islam | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Ramadan | Islam | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Accessories:

ASIN: 0764126717

Book Description

Books in the Festival Time series describe the activities of typical families as parents and children celebrate some of their culture’s major holidays. Attractive color illustrations on every page will appeal to younger children. The simply yet delightfully told stories describe the festivities while giving children background information about holidays in many different cultures. A two-page spread at the back of each book contains information for parents, and includes suggestions on ways to communicate the holiday’s meaning to kids. A typical Muslim family celebrates the holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. In 2004, Ramadan lasts for the entire 30-day lunar month from October 16 through November 13. In 2005, it occurs from October 5 through November 3. It is the time of year for parents and older children to fast, give special praise to God, and be charitable to the poor and needy. The festival of Eid-ul-Fitr occurs on the day following the last day of Ramadan. Families welcome this festival with an elaborate meal attended by extended family and friends. Traditional foods are eaten, including dates and pomegranates.

Customer Reviews:

It's the Missing Ramadan Book!.......2004-10-27

Most Ramadan books are too difficult to read to my young students and I was missing that perfect book about this holiday. Now I can read them a book the students can enjoy and 1st and 2nd graders can read it on their own too! Thanks for the book, if only it had arrived sooner.

The Time and the Place: And Other Stories

Average customer rating:

The many faces of old Cairo

The Time and the Place: And Other Stories
Naguib Mahfouz
Manufacturer: Anchor
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

British | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0385264720
Release Date: 1992-06-18

Book Description

Selected and translated by the distinguished scholar Denys Johnson-Daivies, these stories have all the celebrated and distinctive characters and qualities found in Mahfouz's novels: The denizens of the dark, narrow alleyways of Cairo, who struggle to survive the poverty; melancholy ruminations on death; experiments with the supernatural; and witty excursions into Cairene middle-class life.

Customer Reviews:

The many faces of old Cairo.......2001-07-13

Egypt's Naguib Mahfouz was the great chronicler of Cairo's dark alleyways and murky souls. Born in 1911, he was educated in philosophy at the University of Cairo and spent most of his life as a civil servant . While he seldom travelled abroad, he was strongly inlfuenced by the likes of men like Proust, Balzac, Dickens, and Camus. He won the Nobel Prize in 1988.

"The Time and the Place and Other Stories" is a great place to begin if you've never read anything by Mahfouz and a welcome slice of his short fiction if you're only familiar with his novels. One is struck by the variety of the stories collected here. Written between 1962 and 1989, they incapsulate Mahfouz's concern with everything from political injustice to the downfall of families to loneliness and death and the anguished world-weariness that merges gradually, in many characters, into mysticism.

The Borgesean "The Man and the Other Man" (even the title is Borgesean) is a dark political allegory about a murderer stalking his victim; at the end, though, he finds himself woven into a labyrinthine nightmare of his own creation. In contrast to this tale's surrealism, "The Answer is No" is a realistic, outspokenly "feminist" tale about a resolute young woman who scorns the advances of an old tutor of hers and seeks to avoid love in order to devote her life to teaching, "persuading herself that happiness is not confined to love and motherhood. Never has she regretted her firm decision." Side by side with these are stories like the title-piece, a semi-fantastic tale about a man who digs up an ancient parchment in his garden which leads him, in a bizarre (but, in retrospect, hilarious) ending, into trouble with the law, and "The Empty Café", about an old teacher "cursed by a long life" who has seen all his friends and now his wife die and is left, at last, alone, shipwrecked at the end of his days in an age that is not his. Alongside these are the folktale-ish "The Conjurer Made Off With the Dish" and the mystical "Zaabalawi", Mahfouz's most famous story, about a man hunting for an elusive healer-sheikh.

Product Description

This is a true story about the author's husband, franklin, when he was a boy. The tale teaches lessons on obedience and time management. Frankie's mother had spoken to him about using his time wisely on many occasions. However, occasionally playing with his friends would get in the way of his remembering, especially when he was pitching marbles in the alley. This day was one he would not forget.

Of This Time, of That Place, and Other Stories (The Works of Lionel Trilling)

Average customer rating:

One of the best short stories ever written
An old book it wouldn't hurt to have new.

Of This Time, of That Place, and Other Stories (The Works of Lionel Trilling)
Lionel Trilling , and Diana Trilling
Manufacturer: Harcourt
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0156680629

Customer Reviews:

One of the best short stories ever written.......2003-05-10

The story, "Of This Time, of That Place" is one the greatest short stories in the history of modern literature. It is utterly riveting, thought-provoking, and incites the most passionate discussions. If you haven't read this story, you are missing out on one of the great works of all time.
It is about a conscientious teacher in an all-boys school who encounters a student who at first, seems utterly brilliant. But things change, and the story takes a turn that leaves the reader spell-bound. That is all I'm going to say - READ IT!

An old book it wouldn't hurt to have new........2001-12-11

In the later decades of the 20th Century it came into vogue, thank goodness, for writers to tell stories about sexual deviants, drug-using Marines, the underprivileged, in short, about real people. We discovered in reading such stories that these real people were not only amongst us in whole form, but also, in part, inside each of us. The power of the short story to thrill us came back with the writings of Thom Jones, Junot Diaz, Denis Johnson, Jennifer Egan, et al. But what a mistake to lose in the heralding of the new, what was fine and fantastic in those whose place at the top they overtook. There is something bracing and high in the intelligence and manners found in the stories of Lionel Trilling that it would be pleasant to have with us here in the 21st Century.

Average customer rating:

Heart warming...
unbelievable
A very affordable trip to Venice!

Once Upon a Time in Venice
Monique Roy
Manufacturer: iUniverse, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0595416594

Book Description

Grandpa Leo is saddened by some devastating news and keeps it a secret from his only grandson, Samuelle. As Samuelle's legal guardian, Grandpa Leo decides Venice, Italy would be the perfect place for a trip-and much more. Not only is Venice charming, but also Grandpa Leo's roots stem back to this magical place and he has family there. Once in Venice, they share many adventures, and Grandpa Leo stumbles upon someone special from his past. Meanwhile, Grandpa Leo struggles with when to break the news to Samuelle, but with Samuelle's growing fondness for Venice and his new relatives and friends, the challenge may be a little easier to face. Eventually, Venice becomes a special place in their hearts forever.

Customer Reviews:

Heart warming..........2007-04-07

This little book shows so much depth and warmth about family and love.
Could taste the foods and smell the canals...loved that feeling of the book coming out of the pages.

unbelievable.......2007-04-07

A lot of research and work went into this book.
Enjoyable and easy reading with a great story line .
Very tender and flowed well.
Well done for the first book.

A very affordable trip to Venice! .......2007-04-07

What a beautiful story of the impact & importance of family, love & community in our lives. Read this to your kids, grandkids, nieces or nephews & they will feel like you've taken them on a trip to Italy! Monique's beautiful descriptions of Venice brought me right back to the time I was there - from the food, to the architecture, art & canals, she transports you right there (without the killer flight & airplane food!). The emotional journey that the characters take is important for children to relate to, it's also educational, sad, sweet & heartwarming. I look forward to sharing it with my nephews (and niece on the way!)

Another Time Another Place: And Other Short Stories

Average customer rating:

Another Time Another Place: And Other Short Stories
Douglas F. Graney
Manufacturer: 1st Books Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1587216396

Camels Can Make You Homesick and Other Stories (Time of our Lives Series)

Average customer rating:

Camels Can Make You Homesick and Other Stories (Time of our Lives Series)
Nazneen Sadiq
Manufacturer: Lorimer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0888629125
Release Date: 1985-01-01

Book Description

Growing up can be difficult and confusing for anyone--especially if you're growing up in two cultures at the same time.

The five stories in this book examine both the harmonies and dissonances of growing up Canadian and East Indian: young Zorana takes her first trip to Pakistan and rides on a camel; Raj Dhillon spends a night alone learning wilderness survival skills; Amit takes a trip to McDonald's with his Bengali-born grandmother; Jaya perseveres in a performance of Indian classical dancing even after a classmate has tried to wreck her costume; and Shanaz visits an understanding neighbour who helps her see the beautiful aspects of her Muslim heritage.

The kids in Camels Can Make You Homesick are both ordinary and extraordinary, and are always interesting to read about as they cope with the challenge of growing up Canadian and South Asian at the same time.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books