Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

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1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Anderson, Laurie Halse. 2008. Chains. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9781416905851

2. PLOT SUMMARY
The year is 1776, and Isabel and her little sister find themselves in a difficult situation. In the beginning of the story, Isabel, who is thirteen years old, and Ruth, her younger sister with special needs, are attending the funeral of Miss Finch who used to own both girls. Miss Finch had told the girls that upon her death, they would be set free as she had stated in her will. Unfortunately, a distant and unknown nephew decides to ignore his Aunt’s will and sells the girls as slaves to a family living out of state. Author Laurie Halse Anderson tells a heart wrenching story about Isabel’s struggle to take care of her little sister and her hope for their once promised freedom. As the Revolutionary War begins, Isabel strives to survive in a world full of pain, abuse, betrayal, and torture.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Ever mindful of the time period, Laurie Halse Anderson wrote a well crafted historical fiction novel. Written with Roman numerals, every chapter of Chains is dated so that the readers are aware of the amount of time passing. In addition, every chapter is preceded with an historical quote from a variety of historical documents or people. There are quotes taken from personal letters, newspapers, pamphlets, petitions, summons, journals, and other written documents. Some of those quotes were penned by George Washington, Phillis Wheatley, John Adams, Abigail Adams, Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson, and other historical figures. The story is told with a setting and dialog that is true to the time period. A great deal of research had been performed in the writing of this story as depicted in the questions and answers featured in the eleven page appendix.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST: Starred Review – “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.”
KIRKUS: Starred Review - “Anderson brilliantly recreates New York City in the summer of 1776, viewed through the eyes of a remarkable heroine.”
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.”
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “this gripping novel offers readers a startlingly provocative view of the Revolutionary War”
Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction, 2009
Parents' Choice Award, 2008
Cybil Award, 2009
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, 2009

5. CONNECTIONS
• After reading Chains, read the companion novel:
Anderson, Laurie Halse. FORGE. ISBN 9781416961444
• Other historical fiction books written by Laurie Halse Anderson:
Anderson, Laurie Halse. FEVER 1793. ISBN 9780689848919
Anderson, Laurie Halse. ASHES. (To Be Released October 2011)
• Other historical fiction novels of the Revolutionary war:
Collier, James Lincoln. MY BROTHER SAM IS DEAD. ISBN: 0027229807
Myers, Anna. SPY! ISBN: 9780802797421