Chains

Anderson, Laurie Halse. Chains. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2008. Print. ISBN 978-1-4169-0585-1. Hardcover. $16.99 USD.

 

Available Formats: Paperback,hardcover, eBook, unabridged audio CD, unabridged MP3 on CD and Playaway. 

Annotation: The Revolutionary War has just begun, but thirteen year old Isabel Finch is fighting her own battle. She is plotting a way to escape the claws of her evil slaver masters. Curzon, a young slave, tells her she can gain her freedom if she joins the Patriot cause and spies on her Loyalist oppressors. Isabel is soon forced to make a difficult decision; risk her life to become a spy or remain a slave.

Book Talk: Open End Technique
What if you had to fight for your freedom?

This is exactly what thirteen year old Isabel Finch must do.

The year is 1776 and the Revolutionary War is just beginning. Isabel and her little sister Ruth are enslaved to an elderly woman in Rhode Island named Mary Finch. Upon her death, she has requested girls be set free. However, this glimmer of hope quickly turns into a miserable reality for the sisters.

When Mary suddenly passes, her wicked nephew ignores her will and sells the girls to the abusive Locktons of New York City. After a period of terrible mistreatment and heartache, Isabel begins looking for a way to rid herself of the Locktons. She longs to gain the freedom that is owed to her and her sister. This opportunity comes in the form of a young man named Curzon; a slave to a Patriot leader. Curzon asks Isabel to spy on the Locktons, who are well known supporters of the English King. He tells Isabel this will be her ticket to freedom. However, this is a dangerous request. One that could threaten her life.

Is there any truth to Curzon's promise? Will Isabel become a spy for the American cause? Will she and her sister escape from the evil Locktons? Will they finally gain their freedom and rid themselves of their Chains?

Awards and Honors:
New York Times Best Seller
National Book Award Finalist
ALA Best Books For Young Adults
ALA Notable Children's Books
Booklist Editors' Choice
IRA Teachers' Choices
New York Public Library's 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
Pacific Northwest Young Reader's Choice Award
Parents' Choice Gold Award Winner
Publishers Weekly Best Books 
Washington Post Best Books

(Image courtesy of BCLS)

Listen to a few of the songs, recommended by Laurie Halse-Anderson, that compliment Chains!

Sailing to Philadelphia by Mark Knopfler & James Taylor

Ashokan Farewell by Jay Ungar & Molly Mason Family Band

Skellig by Loreena McKennitt

Additional Author Information:

To visit the author's website click here!

Follow Laurie Halse Anderson on Twitter @halseanderson. 

Young Adult Interview:

"I mostly read biographies and non-fiction. I like to read books about our presidents. However, I do like historical fiction that deals with American history".

"I read a lot of young adult fiction. I read about one book every two days".

--Quotes from Emily D., age 18.