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Book Review: "Chains" by Laurie Halse Anderson

Updated: Dec 30, 2021

ABOUT + INSIGHT


chains_me

"Chains" is a heart-touching novel that will compel you to cry. Set in the American Revolution, Isabel Finch & her sister Ruth are unjustly sold to the Lockharts, even if they are really free. On the way, Isabel converses with a boy named Curzon & is asked to spy on the Lockharts for the Whigs. In return, they will help her back to freedom. Isabel agrees. But when troubles start simmering, is it possible for them to keep their promise?

This book was enjoyable, yet emotional for me. If you want to really learn and take in the lives of slaves during the American Revolution, this book is for you.


AGE-APPROPRIATE

10 & up, grades 5 - 9.


ADDITIONAL DETAILS

PRAISE

“Anderson’s novel is remarkable for its strong sense of time and place and for its nuanced portrait of slavery and of New York City during the Revolutionary War.” —Hornbook


“Anderson explores elemental themes of power, freedom, and the sources of human strength in this searing, fascinating story.” —Booklist, starred review


“Readers will care deeply about Isabel . . .” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review


“Startlingly provocative . . . nuanced and evenhanded . . . a fast-moving, emotionally involving plot.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review


“Engrossing. . . a heart-racing story.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books


“Knocks on the conscience of a nation.” —Christian Science Monitor


"Laurie Halse Anderson's "Chains" is searing and has so many brilliant sparks I became lost in it. Isabel's harrowing journey into a nightmare realm of slavery, betrayal, loss, and ultimately hope quite literally had me sobbing."

— Angela Johnson, Three-time Coretta Scott King Award winner, and Michael L. Printz Award winner



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