39) Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

 Anderson, H. Laurie. Chains. Simon & Schuster, 2010. 320 pages. ISBN: 978-1-4169-0585-1

Genre: Historical Fiction

Ages: 10 and up

Plot: In 1776, a slave girl named Isabel mourns for the death of her mistress, but also is happy for her own freedom, due to her mistress' will. Isabel and her younger sister Ruth are to be freed at her mistress' passing. However, the mistress's relatives did not know about the will, and are determined to sell Isabel and Ruth to the highest bidder. The highest bidder are the Locktons, a couple going home to New York City because Boston was seized by the Patriots in battle of the Revolutionary War. The Lockton's are Loyalists, and they believe that if the revolutionaries can be controlled then the kind will regain the throne, and order will be restored. Lockton does not take any chances. There is a secret action against General Washington and his troops. Meanwhile, Isabel is convinced to spy on the Locktons' activities, as she works as a slave for them. She could win her freedom if she agrees to spy on her new master. However, her espionage leads to her brutal branding and she is separated from her sister. Isabel disbelieves in the idea of freedom "Whenever I head the words "liberty" or "freedom" I wanted to spit in the dust". Isabel does not know whom to remain loyal to, and struggles to survive. However she uses her imagination and memory to help her spirit survive. Even though she is a slave, she can imagine a life without chains.

Review: This book focuses on the treatment of slaves by Patriots and Loyalists during the American Revolution. For an added bonus, this book is also written by Laurie Anderson, from the book Speak. Anderson is a great historical fiction, the story feels authentic, but also fresh and new. Chains is a portrait of a single black woman trying to survive in a society that holds her captive. The fact that she was taught to read shows the importance of literacy. The bible helps her memorize poetry, and escape through imagination. Tweens can relate to Isabel's struggle to fit into a society that does not accept her.


Awards: National Book Award, Newbery