CHAINS by: Laurie Halse Anderson

Bibliography
Anderson, Laurie Halse. 2008. CHAINS. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 1416905855.

Plot Summary
Isabel Finch is a young girl promised freedon fromm slavery by her master that died. Without acknowledging her freedom her master's nephew sells her and her special needs sister Ruth to a loyalist couple from New York. The new madam is cruel and Isable agrees to spy on them for the Continentals in exchange for freedom. Isabel does as asked and receives punishment instead of freedom. Ruth is taken away from Isabel and in her anger agrees to help the Americans again. When Isabel finally realizes that no one will help her she finds the courage to escape and decides to go find her sister.

Critical Analysis
This story takes place in New York just prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independance. The author gives us a glimpse into the American Revolution through the eyes of a young slave girl. Each "chapter" begins with a date and quote from the time period that foreshadows the events that will take place during that time. Anderson weaves historical facts (ie the treatment of slaves, Revolutionary war battles, the treatment of prisoners, Loyalist and Constitutionalist reaction to the war, and the everyday life of a slave during that time). This interplay of fact and fiction helps give the reader a sense of the American Revolution. The author also includes an appendix containing many questions that the reader may have along with detailed answers.

Overall, this would be a great book to introduce a different perspective on the events that took place during the beginning of the American Revolution, but would also be a good story for those looking for a good book to read.

Review Excerpts and Awards
Winner of 2009 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction

2009 Finalist for National Book Award

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Well researched and affecting in its presentation, the story offers readers a fresh look at the conflict and struggle of a developing nation."

starred review in BOOKLIST: "Anderson explores elemental themes of power, freedom, and the sources of human strength in this searing, fascinating story."

starred review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: "Anderson packs so much detail into her evocation of wartime New York City that readers will see the turmoil and confusion of the times, and her solidly researched exploration of British and Patriot treatment of slaves during a war for freedom is nuanced and evenhanded, presented in service of a fast-moving, emotionally involving plot."

Connections
*This book can be read in conjunction with other books (possibly from differing perspectives) about the American Revolution.
*This book could be an addition to a study of slavery and the treatment of slaves.
*In the novel Isabel has been taught to read and write. This was not a common skill by most people and especially not slaves. You could study how literacy helped or hurt Isabel and why literacy was so uncommon during this time.
*You could also discuss the irony of how people were fighting for freedom, but did not want to free the slaves.