The novel explores the importance of family, the nature of freedom, and the courage needed for pursuing that freedom. The author anchors her narrative in history, beginning each chapter with an epigraph selected from historical documents, poetry, and letters from the era. With her new friend Curzon and courage summoned from her ancestors, she traverses the upheaval of war as the sisters’ future hangs in the balance. When Isabel reluctantly becomes a spy for the Continental Army, she faces danger at every turn. The protagonist, 13-year-old Isabel Finch, narrates her search for identity while caring for her sister and living at the estate of a despotic slave holder. The historical fiction, set in 18th-century New York City, follows a young Black girl on her journey to escape slavery while the sparks of the colonists’ rebellion gradually ignite the American Revolution. I’m even prouder to be an American who is trying to help my countrymen understand our history so that we might truly fulfill the promise of the Declaration of Independence that this will one day (soon!) become a land where everyone is treated equally.Laurie Halse Anderson's middle-grade novel Chains (2008), a National Book Award finalist and Scott O’Dell Historical Fiction Award winner, is the first installment in her Seeds of America series. I started reading books and studying the work of historians who wrote about the development of the United States as seen from the perspective of people of color.Īll of this helped lead me to write my trilogy about the American Revolution: CHAINS, FORGE and ASHES (this last installment is almost done.) That helped me reexamine everything I thought I knew about American history. Re-reading it as an adult, I saw the ugly, casual racism for what it was. Back then, it was just a fascinating book that sparked my interest in American history. I’m embarrassed to say that I didn’t notice these things when I was nine years old. There are a number of flaws in it, notably Wilder’s profound racism towards Native Americans and African Americans. Wow – what an amazing question! I think Little House on the Prairie, by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Which is the one book that has influenced you more than any other, in terms of who you are, how you live and what you think? West Virginia Children's Book Award Master List Volunteer State Book Award Master List (TN)

Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award Nominee Pacific Northwest Young Reader's Choice Award Master List Pacific Northwest Young Reader's Choice Award Nutmeg Children's Book Award Nominee (CT) Garden State Teen Book Award Nominee (NJ)

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Chains by laurie halse anderson