Book Review on Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

Please note that this blog has been created as an assignment for a TWU course.

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Anderson, Laurie Halse. 2010. CHAINS. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. ISBN 1416905863

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

In this book, Laurie Halse Anderson writes about slavery, violence, war, and perseverance.  As the Revolutionary War begins, the owner of thirteen-year-old Isabel and her little sister Ruth dies.  The owner stated in her will that she wanted the little girls to be free.  Isabel has the ability to read and knew that was what the will stated.  When she brings this up to the nephew of the deceased owner, he belittles her saying, “Slaves don’t read and I should beat you for lying, girl.”  The deceased owner’s nephew sells them to a horribly cruel couple.  The couple physically and verbally abuses the girls.  Isabel tries very hard to care for and protect her little sister Ruth who has a seizure disorder.  When the madam finds out that Ruth has this seizure disorder, she beats her and then sells her.  Isabel meets a slave named Curzon who has ties with the Patriots and encourages her to spy on her owners.  As the violence escalates to the point of Isabel’s owners branding her on the cheek, she decides that she must do whatever is necessary to escape the situation.  A lady helps Isabel recover from the branding before sending her back to her owner.  Isabel decides to bide her time in order to make her escape at exactly the right moment.  During a fire, she helps the lady who care for her after the branding.  One night, Isabel stole a pass, helped sneak her friend Curzon into a boat, and escaped.  The book does not have a definitive conclusion.  It marks the setting of the next book in the series.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Even though this book is from the historical fiction genre, it provides a realistic view into what really happened during the Revolutionary War.  It is refreshing to read a book written for young adults that does not sugarcoat the truth.  Slavery, violence, and war are real issues that should be honestly and thoroughly discussed.  At an age-appropriate level, children should be given accurate historical information.  This is to ensure that the future generations learn from the past and that the same mistakes are not repeated.   

The book is written as a journal would be.  Each entry/chapter is headed with the date and excerpt from some type of news article that occurred on that day or a quote from a letter or book.  It starts with the day she and her sister were sold to the horrible couple and ends on the day Isabel frees herself.  Isabel particularly enjoyed the book, COMMON SENSE by Thomas Pain, which was given to her.  It had many thought-provoking and “dangerous ideas” that fueled her desire to escape her situation.

4.  AWARDS/REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

National Book Award Nominee

New York Times Bestseller

Winner of the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction

Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Anderson explores elemental themes of power, freedom, and the sources of human strength in this searing, fascinating story.”

BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN’S BOOKS review: “Engrossing…a heart-racing story.”

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR review: “[K]nocks on the conscience of a nation.”

Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: “Readers will care deeply about Isabel…”

Starred review in  PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Startling provocative…nuanced and evenhanded…a fast-moving, emotionally involving plot.”

5.  CONNECTIONS

*There are many directions one can go with this book.  Initiate a class discussion on one of the issues in this book, such as slaves not being allowed to learn to read.  Encourage critical thinking by asking open-ended questions such as “Why do you think slave owners did not want slaves to read?”  “Based on your responses, why do you think literacy is so important?”  This encourages students to think about these issues on a deeper level.

*Other books written by Laurie Halse Anderson:

Anderson, Laurie Halse. 2003. CATALYST. ISBN 9781042400012

Anderson, Laurie Halse. 2002. FEVER 1793. ISBN 9780689848919

Anderson, Laurie Halse. 2010. FORGE (SEEDS OF AMERICA). ISBN 9781416961444

Anderson, Laurie Halse. 2008. TWISTED. ISBN 9780142411841