Bibliography:
Anderson, Laurie Halse. Chains. 2008. New York: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 1416905855
Anderson, Laurie Halse. Chains. 2008. New York: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 1416905855
Plot Summary:
Isabel and Ruth are sisters and slaves. After their master dies, they are to be set free. Instead, they are sold to another master and moved to New York. Shortly thereafter, the British sail into the harbor and quickly take over the city. The sisters' new owner turns out to be a cruel woman who soon separates the girls by moving Ruth from New York. Isabel is devastated and the only thing on her mind is escape. She sees a lot in New York, befriends another young slave, Curzon, and becomes a spy for the Patriots in the Revolutionary War.
Isabel and Ruth are sisters and slaves. After their master dies, they are to be set free. Instead, they are sold to another master and moved to New York. Shortly thereafter, the British sail into the harbor and quickly take over the city. The sisters' new owner turns out to be a cruel woman who soon separates the girls by moving Ruth from New York. Isabel is devastated and the only thing on her mind is escape. She sees a lot in New York, befriends another young slave, Curzon, and becomes a spy for the Patriots in the Revolutionary War.
Critical Analysis:
Winner of the 2009 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction, this a well researched and well written novel. The plot is interesting and the characters are believable. The facts woven throughout the story are historically accurate and each chapter begins with a real quote from a person living during the time. Isabel's attitude, values, and morals are reflective of the times as well as that of her owners. For young adults and adults alike, reading this novel is a great way to learn about slavery during the American Revolution without having to read a dry and boring history book.
Winner of the 2009 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction, this a well researched and well written novel. The plot is interesting and the characters are believable. The facts woven throughout the story are historically accurate and each chapter begins with a real quote from a person living during the time. Isabel's attitude, values, and morals are reflective of the times as well as that of her owners. For young adults and adults alike, reading this novel is a great way to learn about slavery during the American Revolution without having to read a dry and boring history book.
Review Excerpt(s):
Kirkus: "Anderson brilliantly recreates New York City in the summer of 1776, viewed through the eyes of a remarkable heroine."
Publisher's Weekly: "Anderson (Speak; Fever 1793) 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."
School Library Journal: "With short chapters, each beginning with a historical quote, this fast-paced novel reveals the heartache and struggles of a country and slave fighting for freedom."
VOYA: "Thought-provoking and emotional, Isabel's story will linger long after the last page has been read."
Kirkus: "Anderson brilliantly recreates New York City in the summer of 1776, viewed through the eyes of a remarkable heroine."
Publisher's Weekly: "Anderson (Speak; Fever 1793) 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."
School Library Journal: "With short chapters, each beginning with a historical quote, this fast-paced novel reveals the heartache and struggles of a country and slave fighting for freedom."
VOYA: "Thought-provoking and emotional, Isabel's story will linger long after the last page has been read."
Connections:
Look for the Forge, the upcoming sequel to Chains. Also, pair with a unit on the American Revolution or slavery. Check out www.writerlady.com for relevant website links and a teacher's guide complete with discussion questions and various related assignments for all subjects.
Look for the Forge, the upcoming sequel to Chains. Also, pair with a unit on the American Revolution or slavery. Check out www.writerlady.com for relevant website links and a teacher's guide complete with discussion questions and various related assignments for all subjects.
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