Chains

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Anderson, Laurie Halse. 2008. CHAINS. New York: Antheum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9781416905851

2.      PLOT SUMMARY

With the Revolutionary War as a backdrop to this tale, 13 year old Isabel is also fighting—for her freedom. She is a slave who, along with her sister, was promised freedom after her owner died, but in cruel twist of fate the girls become the property of a cruel New York couple. Isabel meets Curzon, another slave, who encourages her to spy on her owners because they know British plans for invasion. Though at first hesitant, her mind becomes resolved when something unthinkable happens to her sister, Ruth.

3.      CRITCAL ANALYSIS

Chains is the moving account of one girl’s struggle for freedom in a country where black people were things to be bought, sold, and traded. The characters are well developed, and you can feel the frustration and pain their position in life brings them. The situations they find themselves in were so realistic you can tell Anderson really did her homework. This is further shown in the question and answer section at the end of the book.

4.      REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction

Review in 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.”

5.      CONNECTIONS

*Bravery would be a good topic of discussion for this novel. It took a lot of courage to do what Isabel did. Ask the readers if they feel they’d make the same decisions as she, or if they would do anything differently.

*Other novels by this author:

            Anderson, Laurie Halse. Catalyst. ISBN 0142400017

            Anderson, Laurie Halse. Fever 1793. ISBN 0689848919

            Anderson, Laurie Halse. Speak. ISBN 0312674392