Chains By Laurie Halse Anderson

1.  Bibliography
Anderson, Laurie Halse.  2008.  CHAINS.  New York:  Athenum Books For Young Readers.  ISBN 9781416905868


2.  Plot Summary
The setting of the story is at the beginning of the American Revolution.  Isabel and her young sister Ruth have lost their mother and their owner has just passed away.  Miss Mary told her lawyer to free the two girls when she died, but the man who is inheriting all of her property has different ideas and the lawyer is out of town.  He sells the girls to a wealthy Loyalist couple that reside in New York City.   Isabel meets Curzon a slave of a Rebel owner.  He convinces Isabel to spy on her owners and provide information to the Rebels.  "Lockton needed to believe I was a sleepy servant, unaware of his plans" (92).  Her owner sells Ruth due to her having a disease.   After losing her little sister Isabel does not know what to do?  She wants to be free and go look for her sister, but with the war looming she needs to decide what side she is on?

3.  Critical Analysis
This story takes place in a realistic time period of the American Revolution.  History is accurate and young readers are able to identify with the characters.  The many characters of the story all have different personalities.   Has the reader reads the story the characters speak with the accents and language of the time period.  "Much is afoot" (114).  The story is not overly descriptive, but understandable for young readers and keeps the reader wondering what is going to happen next.  The theme of the story is slavery.  How can one side want to be free, but not free their own people they consider slaves?  The main character provides a great perspective of what a slave would be going through during this time period in history.  The story is well researched.  At the beginning of each chapter a letter from the American Revolution is shared with the reader to give them a better insight on what people were feeling during this time period of history.

4.  Review Excerpts
Scott O'Dell Award For Historical Fiction
National Book Award Finalist
BOKLIST says, "Anderson explores elemental themes of power (“She can do anything. I can do nothing,” Isabel realizes about her sadistic owner), freedom, and the sources of human strength in this searing, fascinating story."
SCHOOL, LIBRARY JOURNAL, "She chooses to find someone to help her no matter which side he or she is on. 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."

5.  Connections
Suggested reading age 9-12.
After reading this book discuss how the African American slaves felt about the American Revolution.  Why should some people be free and not others?  Talk about the different reasons the American Revolution started.
More about the American Revolution:
Anerson, Laurie Halse.  FORGE (SEQUEL TO CHAINS).  ISBN 9781416961444
Lavender, William.  JUST JANE:  A DAUGHTER OF ENGLAND CAUGHT IN THE STRUGGLES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.  ISBN 0439810701
Reit, Seymour.  GUNS FOR GENERAL WASHINGTON:  A STORY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.  ISBN 9780152164355
Yates, Elizabeth.  AMOS FORTUNE, FREE MAN.  ISBN 0140341587