Book Review CHAINS

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Anderson, Laurie Halse. 2008. CHAINS. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 1416905855

2. PLOT SUMMARY
At the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, an African American thirteen-year-old girl sought her own freedom. Isabel and her five-year-old sister, Ruth, are promised freedom. However, they end up under the possession of the cruel New York City couple, the Locktons. Isabel and Ruth, much like many other slaves, endure horrific mental and physical abuse by their owners. Trying to keep her promise to her deceased mother, Isabel takes all the punishment she can in hope to protect her younger sick sister. After the sisters’ vindictive mistress sells young Ruth, Isabel is determined to run away and find her younger sister with her one and only friend Curzon, a slave boy.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Set in 1776, Isabel tells the story of her tragic life as a slave. Though this setting might seem like ancient history to young kids, today’s youth can relate to the protagonist’s rebellion and sheer determination to do the right thing. As the story develops, we learn about Isabel’s bravery and spirit even after she is branded with the letter “I” for Insolence on her cheek.

Chains vividly describes New York City life during the 1700s as well as the horrible conditions for the American prisoners of war. As Isabel tries to save Curzon, she describes the filthy prison: “The stench was overpowering—men unwashed for moths and puke and muck and rot that was eating living flesh.”

Anderson’s style of writing also captures the essence of Revolutionary times. She brilliantly includes slang and colloquial language of the time. Here, Becky, another slave tries to explain to Isabel how things work in New York City: “Some folks switch back and forth. One day they’re for the King, the next, it’s all ‘liberty and freedom, huzzah’! A tribe of Mr. Facing-Both-Ways, that’s what you’ll find in New York.”

The author begins each chapter with a historical quote and makes chapters short and easy to read. Readers will be captivated by this book from the beginning to the very end.

4. AWARDS WORD AND REVIEW EXCERPTS
Scott O’Dell Historical Fiction Award
American Library Association Notable Books for Children
Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year

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.”
VOICE OF YOUTH ADVOCATES: “Through the graceful simplicity of dialogue and narration, even brief side characters are deftly drawn and believable. Thought-provoking and emotional, Isabel's story will linger long after the last page has been read.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*Middle school students learning about slavery and the Revolutionary War can read Chains to form a more complete view of this time.

*Teachers can lead a discussion on the hypocrisy of some Patriots and Founding Fathers, who fought for White men’s freedom while others were in chains.

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