The Devil's Arithmetic Lesson Plan

Why do you think Rivka, who is only 10 years old, seems older than she is?

Strong responses will include the fact that living in a Nazi concentration camp likely forced Rivka to mature faster than would have living a normal life. Acting more like an adult gave children a better chance for survival under horrific conditions, as the Nazis had strict rules for how to behave and for working, and they were not lenient with children. Furthermore, the adults likely taught Rivka behaivors directly related to her survival, and what wasn’t taught to her directly she must have picked up from existing in the camp and in such close quarters with the adults. Ultimately, children in...