Anderson, Laurie Halse. Chains. Simon and Schuster. New York, 2008. 320 Pages 5Q3P
Isabel and her five year old sister, Ruth are slaves who were promised freedom in their master’s will. Unfortunately, her greedy nephew sold them for his own profit before they could prove her will set them free. The Lockton’s, their new masters, immediately shipped them to their New York home. Set during the Revolutionary War, Isabel is quickly offered by the patriots help with her freedom if she spies on her loyalist masters in return. Although reluctant at first, once Ruth is sold out form under her, Isabel realizes that helping them is her only chance to be reunited with her sister.
Usually historical fiction bores me with the details, but somehow Anderson managed to write a riveting story with a smattering of historical facts in it. I probably retained more information about the war from this book than I did in all of high school. This would definately make a good supplement in the classroom. The cover art depicts a small African girl with her hands crossed over her head, which makes a very powerful image, and will definately attract readers. Teens may be initially turned off of the book simply because of the historical context, but I do believe if given a chance, they would love this novel, and anticipate the sequel just as I do.
