Book Review for CHAINS by Laurie Halse Anderson

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Anderson, Laurie Halse. 2008. CHAINS. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 978-1-4169-0585-1

PLOT SUMMARY:
Chains tells the story of a young slave girl, Isabel, who falls into the hands of a Loyalist family in New York after her owner dies. Isabel and her younger sister, Ruth, were promised freedom, but through the ruthless greed of their owner's nephew, they are uprooted from all they know in Rhode Island and dropped into New York. The daily challenges for survival are entangled with the backdrop of the early days of the American Revolution.

Isabel strives to keep Ruth safe and to fulfill her promise to her dead mother as Ruth is special, perhaps suffering what we know today as Autism. She is enlisted to spy for the Rebels by another young slave, and for a while believes this will be their ticket to freedom. Throughout the story Isabel learns that many people do not keep their promises, and that there is no clear side to take for her in the war. Freedom is a rallying cry for the Rebels, but it will be a freedom only for some.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Anderson uses accurate descriptions of dress, language, manners, travel, and sites of the late 1700s to draw readers into the story and to keep them turning pages. Her thorough research of the history surrounding this topic, slavery during the Revolution, is clear and allows the reader to feel transported into Isabel's world. Throughout the book, Isabel deals with questions faced by so many people. Questions beyond the basics of growing up...questions of responsibility, of freedom, of pride, of independence, of family, and of humanity.

Isabel is a young girl and will draw female students in quickly, while the author uses the character of Curzon, a young male slave, to engage male readers. Their friendship is pivotal to the story and to the very survival of both characters. Students from late elementary through middle school will be able to relate to the characters and to recognize the historical events taking place during the story. Even the most historical savvy reader will learn from the vivid descriptions of the sea travel for slaves, the New York fire of 1776, and the punishment given to Isabel as a disobedient slave. Readers will be uncomfortable by the truths revealed in the story about the lives of some during this time (grades 6-12).

Chains is an eye-opening account of true challenges during, what for some is the greatest period of American history, the Revolutionary War. Isabel's story allows the reader to understand that not everyone saw a victory for the Colonists as freedom.

AWARDS/REVIEWS:
*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." (Denise Moore)
*Booklist (starred review): "Anderson explores elemental themes of power, freedom, and the sources of human strength in this searing, fascinating story." (Gillian Engberg)
*National Book Award finalist
*2009 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction
*2009 Margaret A. Edwards Award (for the author)


CONNECTIONS:
*encourage students to read the follow-up book, Forge, and present reports on the continuation of the story
*have students break into pairs and research elements of the history discussed in the book:
       a) Torries/Loyalists and Patriots/Rebels
       b) Common Sense by Paine
       c) Battle of Long Island (or the Battle of Brooklyn)
       d) slavery during the American Revolution
       e) African Americans who fought in the American Revolution
       f) American founding fathers/leaders who were slave owners
       g) the great fire of 1776 in New York