Chains by: Laurie Halse Anderson

1. Bibliographic Data
Anderson, Laurie Halse. Chains . New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2008.

2. Plot Summary
Chains starts out with Isabel and her little Ruth preparing to be freed now that their master had died, Miss Finch. Miss Finch's nephew has other plans and sells them immediately after the funeral to a rich, evil couple, the Locktons, who take them to New York. Isabel is treated very poorly by Mrs. Lockton, while Ruth was treated better because she thought she could manipulate her. Ruth was prone to episodes, and Mrs. Lockton finally experienced one, which ends with Ruth being taken away from Isabel and sold to another family. Isabel finds herself so lost and angry until she meets Curzon. Isabel does not care about the Revolutionary War going on, and all she worries about is being free. Curzon encourages Isabel to spy on her Loyalist masters, and tell what she knows to the Patriots. Isabel is torn between the decision, but knows this is her only way to freedom and finding her sister. Her missions are dangerous and end up tearing her and Curzon apart.

3. Critical Analysis
Laurie Halse Anderson creates and intriguing story that will leave the reader wanting to know what is going to happen next. The story is told through a young, slave girl in the 1700s so children can not really relate to all of the problems Isabel has to deal with, but the story is so entertaining. Children could relate to her bravery, and wonder if they would be as brave as Isabel to gain freedom. The setting of the book is in New England in the thick of the Revolutionary War. The facts and a few characters are real, which Anderson explains at the end of the book. The theme of the story revolves around Isabel's struggle for freedom. The reader will get lost in the story, and not even realize they are learning about a very important war in American history, and the struggle of many slaves during this timer period. Chains is meant for the young adult crowd because of its content and length, but is very highly recommended book.
*Readers can now read Forge which picks up where Chains left off, and tells the story through Curzon.

4. Awards and Review Excerpt(s)
*Cybil Award, 2009
*Scott O'Dell Award, 2009
*Childrens Literature..."Once she throws her lot in with Curzon, the die is cast, and Isabel finds herself fighting colonial apathy and Mrs. Lockton’s cruelty as she strives to help Curzon and the revolutionary spirit of those around her. The sequel to this novel is coming, and if it is half the book this one is, it will be well worth the wait."

5. Connections
*Ask the children what they would have done if they were in Isabel's place. What do they think about the Locktons? Curzon?
*Read or recommend Forge the sequel.
*Discuss the questions and Anderson's answers at the back of the book. Discuss what was fact and what was not.

"Chains." Children's Literature Reviews. ezproxy.twu.edu:2245/cgi-bin/member/search (accessed November 11, 2010).