LS 5623 Advanced Literature for Young Adults

Anderson, Laurie Halse. 2008. CHAINS. New York: Simon and Schuster.
ISBN 9781416905851


Review:
Laurie Halse Anderon's novel Chains follows the life of a slave girl name Isabel and her sister Ruth during the early years of the American Revolution. Cheated out of their freedom upon their master's death, the girls are sold to a married loyalist couple who live in New York. Under their cruel ownership, Isabel is persuaded to spy on her masters for the rebels. She soon learns that neither the rebels or loyalists will help her escape to freedom and makes plans to run after her sister, whom her masters sold away.

This novel, told from the unique point of view from someone who had nothing to gain by either side winning the war, is eye-opening and heartbreaking. The vivid details of life in New York while being occupied by rebels, fought over, and occupied by red coats; really brings the American Revolution alive. The plot of the story, of Isabel being asked to spy on her masters and being betrayed by both camps, is startlingly believable given the disdain masters held for their servants. The story is not watered down for its youthful audience. Particularly harsh are the details of the POW's left to starve to death in the harsh winter, and the branding of Isabel's face with the letter I for Insolence. Anderson tells the story from the girls point of view and uses phrases like "the bees built a hive of sadness in my soul" and "the buzzing echoed in my brainpan" that captures the dialect a young slave may have used. An excellent read and appropriate for 5th grade and up.


Awards/Reviews:
National Book Awards  (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2008
Scott O'Dell Historical Fiction Award (WON AWARD) 2009
American Library Association Notable Books for Children (WON AWARD) 2009
Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year (WON AWARD) 2008
Nutmeg Children's Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2011
Booklist:" 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."
School Library Journal: "Chains addresses the price of freedom both for a nation and for individuals."
Voice of Youth Advocates: "Thought-provoking and emotional, Isabel's story will linger long after the last page has been read."
Publishers Weekly: " Anderson packs so much detail into her evocation of wartime New York City that readers will see the turmoil and confusion of the times, and her solidly researched exploration of British and Patriot treatment of slaves during a war for freedom is nuanced and evenhanded, presented in service of a fast-moving, emotionally involving plot."

Connections:
This novel can be used to launch discussions about slavery in America, about the conflict between Loyalists and Revolutionaries. This can also be used to discuss enlisted slaves during the Revolution and the treatment of prisoners of war and the rules that govern such treatment.
Other books:
Anderson, Laurie Halse. Fever 1793. ISBN 9780606240611 
Anderson, M.T. The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party. ISBN 0763636797

 


Image credit: www.riversendbookstore.com