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Forge (Seeds of America #2)

by Laurie Halse Anderson (Goodreads Author)

4.09 of 5 stars 4.09 · rating details · 3,411 ratings · 677 reviews

In this compelling sequel to Chains, a National Book Award Finalist and winner of the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction, acclaimed author Laurie Halse Anderson shifts perspective from Isabel to Curzon and brings to the page the tale of what it takes for runaway slaves to forge their own paths in a world of obstacles—and in the midst of the American Revolution. The...more

Hardcover, 297 pages

Published August 2nd 2011 by Atheneum (first published October 19th 2010)

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Mar 25, 2011 Thomas rated it 4 of 5 stars

Forge was a compelling book about the Revolutionary War, specifically the events that took place at Valley Forge. The main character, Curzon, is an escaped adolescent slave who enlists in order to keep himself safe and serve a purpose.

I liked this book, but not as much as its predecessor, Chains. Generally I do not enjoy historical fiction, so the fact that I finished this book in a couple of days says something about Laurie Halse Anderson’s writing ability. She keeps things interesting but rele...more

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Dec 12, 2010 Jeanette rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: all-fiction, historical-fiction, young-adult-books, five-star-fiction

The refresher course in American history was my favorite thing about this book.
Valley Forge, winter of 1777-78. Remember learning about that in school? Thousands of men (and quite a few women, too) starved and froze all winter long, and many died. The suffering was largely a result of incompetence and poor planning on the part of their leaders. Some things never change...

The continuing story of Curzon and Isabel was enjoyable, if a little contrived. I think it will appeal to young people as the...more

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Apr 19, 2013 Liz rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: chapter-book, childrens-literature, historical-fiction

The sequel to Anderson's book "Chains," Isabel and Curzon have separated ways shortly after escaping. Curzon becomes a young solider at Valley Forge. One day his world is turned upside down when his former master, Bellington, once again requires his services. While residing at Moore Hall with Bellington, Curzon and Isabel find themselves together again. Once again they begin to plan their escape and find Isabel's younger sister Ruth.

"Forge" is appropriate for ages 10+ (Grades 4+).

I absolutely f...more

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Dec 05, 2012 Ed added it

Anderson, Laurie Halse. (2010). Forge. New York: Simon and Schuster/Atheneum. 297 pp. ISBN 978-1-4169-6144-4 (Hard Cover); $16.99.

Before we move into the review, readers should take note that according to Anderson, “Halse” rhymes with waltz.

Forge is the sequel to Chains. Chains is a National Book Award finalist. While Forge did not make the NBA list this year, this omission should not lead readers to expect any less of this book. Forge is better than Chains!

Curzon is the slave in Chains who enc...more Anderson, Laurie Halse. (2010). Forge. New York: Simon and Schuster/Atheneum. 297 pp. ISBN 978-1-4169-6144-4 (Hard Cover); $16.99.

Before we move into the review, readers should take note that according to Anderson, “Halse” rhymes with waltz.

Forge is the sequel to Chains. Chains is a National Book Award finalist. While Forge did not make the NBA list this year, this omission should not lead readers to expect any less of this book. Forge is better than Chains!

Curzon is the slave in Chains who encourages Isabel to become a spy. At the end of Chains, Curzon is in prison and Isabel rescues him. Isabel slips away to find her sister and Forge begins with Curzon out of prison but alone. Readers who have not read Chains will not have any difficulty at all understanding this story. Readers who have read Chains will be happy that some of the same structure that works so well in Chains is present in Forge. The chapters begin with primary source quotes from Washington, other Revolutionary War generals, Thomas Paine, the diaries of soldiers, etc. The quotes in this book still feel fresh and welcomed and they frame the lightning quick action adroitly. Curzon is an escaped slave. Both he and Isabel are free, but their freedom is tenuous and each knows that “This freedom could kill us.” (p. 5). Unsure of whom to trust—both the redcoats and revolutionaries are capable of selling Curzon to slave traders—Curzon is rudderless. He works driving a supply wagon for a cabagehead thief who has not paid him for his work. He steals his pay in the form of buckles and spoons and heads off toward Albany even though he knows that he really has no place. Curzon finds himself hiding as a young colonist is about to be killed by a redcoat. Even though he should remain hidden, he throws a rock at the redcoat, which throws off the soldier’s aim and allows the young boy to kill the redcoat. Turns out this boy, Ebenezer, is the nephew of a sergeant. Events conspire against Curzon and he finds himself as a soldier fighting the British and on his way to Valley Forge. After Ebenezer’s Uncle dies, Curzon is sold back into slavery after a hasty trial concludes that the verbal testimony of a Negro does not trump the testimony of a liar who is white. Curzon meets up again with Isabel—as slaves once more—and the fight for freedom begins again.

Once again this book is impeccably researched. Once again it includes discussion on the intersection between fiction and history (Yes, African Americans did fight for the Patriots in an integrated army). The language puts readers in the time period but it does not hinder the pace or impede the action. We explore our country’s history in all its glory and all its imperfection. Forge is a perfect title for a book whose setting is largely in Valley Forge, with Curzon forging his freedom one link at a time. Happily there will be a third book in this series, Ashes, allowing readers to discover what consequences may be in store for Isabel and Curzon. Have they really forged their freedom by escaping from Bellingham? While this book will be used as a read aloud in elementary school classrooms, the action is so compelling and the writing so crisp, that both middle school and high school students will also enjoy this historical thriller.
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Oct 31, 2012 Alex Cromwell rated it 5 of 5 stars

In my opinion, the book Forge was very interesting. I really liked this book because I'm a big fan of reading books that have to do with slavery and historical fiction. The book is a sequel to the book Chains and is set during the American Revolution. It's about two runaway slaves named Curzon and Isabel who successfully escape their owners and runaway to Valley Forge. There, Curzon becomes a soldier in the Patriot Army where he soon has to grow up quickly and become a young man. In the army he...more

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May 25, 2012 Judy Desetti rated it 3 of 5 stars

Once again I am disappointed not to find out what happened to little Ruth, sister of Isabel. In fact this story never learns one thing about Ruth. This story is told through the voice of Curzon as the two escape New York and end up in New Jersey fleeing for freedom. There we end up following Curzon as he enlists as a free man in the Continental army to fight for the Revolutionists. Isabel runs off to find her sister. They meet again when they are both imprisoned again as slaves and owned by Bel...more

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Apr 02, 2012 Kris Sauer rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am a huge fan of Laurie Halse Anderson. She writes amazingly well-written and meticulously researched books while managing to write in a way that reaches young readers where many authors cannot. Forge does not disappoint. Picking up the story of the escaped slaves, Isabel and Curzon, we learn that Isabel has slipped off, ostensibly to find her sister, Ruth. Curzon, keenly aware that his status as an escaped slave puts him in constant danger, ends up enlisting in the Continental Army just befor...more

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Nov 05, 2011 Johnp rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011

I had high hopes for this book, since I was very impressed with the Chains, the first book in this Colonial America series. While Chains focused on the drama of the slave Isabel, this book focused mainly on her friend Curzon. The book opens with Curzon enlisting in the Colonial Army. He finds himself camped at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777-1778, the time where so many men lost their lives to harsh conditions (and not war!).

Boy, was this BORING! OK, we learned how low you can sink when...more

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Aug 15, 2011 Rickyjez rated it 5 of 5 stars

Rarely am I tempted to glance at the end of a book first, but after reading Anderson's previous book 'Chains' and discovering the story would continue in 'Forge'--my curiosity was piqued. While once again Anderson's story is not conclusive, fortunately 'Ashes' (the next in the series) is available this October! This YA story revolves around the lives of fictional characters Curzon and Isabel who 'lived' during the American Revolution. The author has gathered and shared numerous historical refere...more

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Jul 30, 2011 James (JD) Dittes added it

How much do literary folks really know about the Continental Army's two winters at Valley Forge? Until recently, Young Adult reading about the Revolutionary War was monopolized by Johnny Tremain, but significant YA writers like M.T. Anderson (Octavian Nothing) and Ann Rinaldi have filled the gap. I think Anderson's ongoing series should come out on top.

I enjoyed Chains, I loved Forge. I think it's because I'm a boy--or was one at one time (as my own teenaged daughter likes to remind me). Told fr...more

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May 03, 2011 Kaci added it

This is the second book in a series of three titled Seeds of America. Forge follows Curzon as he enlists in the Continental Army, is taken back by Mr. Bellingham, his "owner," and meets up with Isabel, who had run away from Curzon to find her sister Ruth but was captured and sold back into slavery. Laurie Halse Anderson is a genius. I love learning about how our country gained its freedom from Britain while also reading a very well-written and at times, poetic novel. The chapters that really stu...more

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Apr 12, 2011 Madison rated it 5 of 5 stars

Forge, the sequel to the book chains is a book with adventure romance and action. Forge is the story of two runaway slaves fighting for their freedom. The story starts out with Curzon saving a young fellow from death by killing a red coat with a rock. Then Curzon decided that he will sign up for the war again. He made many friends and some enemies with his fellow soldiers. Eben the boy Curzon saved from death by the redcoat became his most loyal friend and helped him many times along the way. Wh...more

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Apr 11, 2011 Beverly rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: 13-16 year olds

Recommended to Beverly by: YALSA

Shelves: outstanding-young-adult-books

Forge,the outstanding sequel to Chains, by truly gifted YA author Laurie Halse Anderson, will turn even reluctant readers into lovers of historical fiction and make history buffs out of even the most resistant student(young or old). The very accurate descriptions of the horrid living conditions in the colonial military camps during the winter or 1777 sound like something out of a holocaust history. The battle scenes are equally accurate, equally horrifying and action packed. Anderson also does a...more

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Mar 27, 2011 Aaron rated it 4 of 5 stars

In this great anticipated sequel to Chains, Anderson continues her story of a pair of slaves living through the American Revolution. This time, the story shifts from the viewpoint of Isabel to Curzon. At the conclusion of the earlier novel, the two have escaped from bondage in 1777 New York City and fled to New Jersey, where they stayed for a few months before becoming separated. Isabel wanted to continue south toward Maryland, where her her sister was likely sold off to, while Curzon knows that...more In this great anticipated sequel to Chains, Anderson continues her story of a pair of slaves living through the American Revolution. This time, the story shifts from the viewpoint of Isabel to Curzon. At the conclusion of the earlier novel, the two have escaped from bondage in 1777 New York City and fled to New Jersey, where they stayed for a few months before becoming separated. Isabel wanted to continue south toward Maryland, where her her sister was likely sold off to, while Curzon knows that is the way to get recaptured.

While he continues on the run, Curzon comes across a battle between the British redcoats and the colonial rebels. Just as one of the young colonials is about to get shot, Curzon throws a stone at the attacked, throwing him off kilter and saving the American. This young man, who is named Eben, quickly becomes friends with Curzon. Before Curzon knows it, he has signed up to join the colonial army and becomes a part of Eben's unit. Curzon is only allowed to sign up because everyone believes that he is a free man.

Technically, he is just that. While Isabel actually ran away from her owner, Curzon had been enlisted in the army in New York by his owner with the promise of his freedom at the end of his service period. The question is whether or not that promise will be kept.

Eben and Curzon find themselves, along with their division, heading to Valley Forge. They join the rest of the army there for what turns out to be a terrible winter. Most of us are familiar with the what happened, but this provides a first-hand perspective of the horrors of that winter.

For Curzon, the challenges become even more intense when Curzon's former owner arrives to work with Nathanael Greene, a general from Rhode Island. The two will be taking over responsibility for supplies. Curzon's former owner is more than happy to stake a claim on him, and the result is that Curzon is once again a slave.

The one semi-bright spot in his recovered condition is that he finds that Isabel is also working in his owner's house as she has also become his property. The two friends have once again been reunited, and they are going to do everything they can to regain their liberty.

I do have to admit that I had a tougher time getting drawn into this second volume in the Seeds of America trilogy. The story was interesting, particularly once I got used to Curzon and the new approach. The real strength of this series is the fact that it highlights the irony of the colonists fighting for their own freedom when some of them have no problem not only with owning slaves while not recognizing the hypocricy.

Curzon and Isabel are both really likable characters, and it is really interesting to see the addition of Eben and some of the other guys who make up Curzon's army unit. I am definitely looking forward to Ashes, which will be the final book in the trilogy.(less)

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Mar 06, 2011 Krista rated it 4 of 5 stars

Laurie Halse Anderson came to our local children's bookstore and I went to hear her speak. She was an unassuming personage, more like a gal you'd run into at the Target than a highly-acclaimed author. But her passion for this era of our history was palpable; her inner brilliance showed in her eyes and her voice as she talked about how her whole life changed when she discovered that Benjamin Franklin owned slaves. And she wanted to write about it. For kids. Because kids need to know about our spo...more

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Feb 21, 2011 Heidi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Forge, the follow-up to Chains, continues the adventures of Isabel and her friend Curzon. Chains was told from Isabel's point of view, Forge is told from Curzon's point of view, which presents us with a different picture. After rescuing, Curzon from prison (he was a prisoner of war), Isabel becomes frustrated with Curzon's unwillingness to search for her sister and takes off on her own. The story follows Curzon into the heart of the American Revolution. Curzon ends up at Valley Forge, struggling...more

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Feb 13, 2011 Karen Ball rated it 5 of 5 stars

"This camp is a forge for the army; it's testing our qualities. Instead of heat and hammer, our trials are cold and hunger. Question is, what are we made of?"
The war for American freedom is the setting for Curzon and Isabel's fight for their own freedom. They have escaped New York and their respective slaveowning masters,but while Isabel is determined to get to South Carolina to find and free her little sister, Curzon thinks it is utter stupidity to head into the waiting traps of the slavehunter...more

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Jan 29, 2011 Jon Cox rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: children-s, history-politics, outdoors, romance

Forge is a well written fictional account of the Continental Army's miserable conditions at Valley Forge during the Revolutionary War. It definitely made me wonder how anyone survived the winter there. I agree with Anderson's conclusion that Valley Forge was an appropriate and symbolic site for the winter encampment because of how it tempered the steel of the American will.

The story of Curzon and Isabel is an interesting one as well. Anderson does a good job of making the characters human and ad...more

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Jan 18, 2011 Jan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: teenbooks, historical-fiction

A sequel to Chains, which was a National Book Award Finalist. Forge continues the story begun in Chains, but this time the novel is written from the point of view of Curzon, a slave owned by a man who has cast his lot with the Colonial rebellion against the British. At the conclusion of Chains, Curzon and Isabel have escaped their masters and run away together. But Isabel is intent on finding her sister, Ruth, and quarrels with Curzon, taking his money and running away again. Curzon falls in wit...more A sequel to Chains, which was a National Book Award Finalist. Forge continues the story begun in Chains, but this time the novel is written from the point of view of Curzon, a slave owned by a man who has cast his lot with the Colonial rebellion against the British. At the conclusion of Chains, Curzon and Isabel have escaped their masters and run away together. But Isabel is intent on finding her sister, Ruth, and quarrels with Curzon, taking his money and running away again. Curzon falls in with the American rebels, fighting alongside white soldiers at the battle of Saratoga and enduring the hardships of the encampment at Valley Forge. But Curzon’s former master reappears and forces him back into slavery. Isabel also appears again at this point, having been captured by whites and purchased by Curzon’s master. Curzon and Isabel eventually find a way to escape again, and end up together marching with Curzon’s comrades from his unit towards…have to wait until the sequel.

I thought this book was as compelling as Chains, with a fascinating historical plot that is meticulously detailed and researched. Curzon and Isabel are compelling characters that draw you in emotionally as they struggle for freedom. I also really liked the way the novel addressed the issues of freedom and slavery and the irony of Curzon, a slave, fighting for independence for a new country that does not recognize his own right to liberty. The story is well-told and Anderson lavished a lot of attention on small details that bring the story to life. For example, on p. 157, Anderson describes how the washerwomen’s skirts leave trails in the snow. It is that kind of detail that gives this novel authenticity.

Anderson pays that kind of attentiveness to character development as well. In Chains, Curzon was just a boy caught up in the excitement of spying on the British for his master. In Forge, he is put to the test in battle and emerges a man. Isabel has also been tested by adversity, after being kidnapped and brutally treated and then forced to wear an iron collar to prevent her from running away. Her spirit is unbroken, but she has had to learn patience and endurance. The evil Colonial master, Bellingham, is a bit of a caricature in his wickedness at times, but he is not one-dimensional. We sense that although he is a brutal master, he still wants Curzon to respect him and want to serve him.

The plot is well constructed and moves along at a brisk pace. The device bringing Isabel and Curzon together again is contrived, but the story really demands it. I admit that I was thrilled when Isabel re-entered the story, as she was such a compelling narrator in Chains. The ending seemed a bit too pat, however, with Isabel, dressed as a boy, joining in the march with Curzon and his fellow soldiers. It was kind of “hi, ho, hi ho, it’s off to war we go.” But cliffhangers are never subtle.

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Dec 11, 2010 Lars Guthrie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Unlike ‘Chains,’ its War of Independence predecessor, ‘Forge’ wastes no time getting in gear. Curzon, a young slave whom we had last seen as his friend Isabel rescued him from a British prison ship, is almost immediately thrown into the Battles of Saratoga.

As fighting overtakes him, Curzon hides in the woods, only to witness a showdown between a redcoat and a Patriot soldier. The Continental, fumbling to reload his flintlock, looks to be an easy target. Then Curzon unleashes a rock at the Briti...more Unlike ‘Chains,’ its War of Independence predecessor, ‘Forge’ wastes no time getting in gear. Curzon, a young slave whom we had last seen as his friend Isabel rescued him from a British prison ship, is almost immediately thrown into the Battles of Saratoga.

As fighting overtakes him, Curzon hides in the woods, only to witness a showdown between a redcoat and a Patriot soldier. The Continental, fumbling to reload his flintlock, looks to be an easy target. Then Curzon unleashes a rock at the British soldier. His shot goes awry. The American fires and a musket ball tears the Englishman’s guts open.

With a riveting beginning like that, ‘Forge’ can’t go wrong. I felt that the first half of ‘Chains’ was dragged down by the relationship between Isabel and her developmentally delayed sister, Ruth. Anderson’s explanation of that relationship held up the action. No such problem here. Ruth is not in this one at all.

Saratoga was a turning point in the Revolutionary War, demonstrating to the French that the rebels had a viable army that was capable of defeating the mighty British Empire. But with Philadelphia occupied, the Americans’ cause was hardly assured. They really proved their mettle by surviving the winter at Valley Forge.

Curzon, who befriends the American soldier and enlists in the Continental Army, also survives Valley Forge. His friend Eben, a wonderful character delightfully drawn by Anderson, is forced to look at slavery in a new light, due to the bond he forms with the black teenager who saves his life.

Curzon believes his service under General Washington means that he is now free, but soon finds out that white men don’t have to keep their word—if it’s given to a slave. His old master appears at the encampment and reclaims his property. There is one benefit for Curzon: Bellingham also owns Isabel.

How she and Curzon, both so strong-willed, face the injustice of their condition, as well as their feelings for each other, makes for an engrossing tale, told with drama and humor.

I listened to ‘Forge,’ and was not particularly taken by the narrator, Tim Cain. However, the first person voice of Curzon and the fast-paced story line erased any difficulties with Cain’s mediocre delivery. Anderson’s second installment in her ‘Seeds of America’ trilogy gives young readers a galvanizing look at this important period in American history.

Recommended for fifth graders on up. (less)

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Nov 23, 2010 Eva Mitnick rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: children, historical-fiction, ya

In the sequel to Chains, Curzon takes up the story of what happened to Isabel and him after their hair-raising escape from New York City. After a few months together, Curzon finds himself alone and on the run, and almost immediately (and certainly unintentionally) he becomes a soldier in the 16th Massachusetts Regiment of the Northern Continental Army of the United States of America.
This is an integrated regiment, and Curzon's fellow soldiers are a mostly young, friendly bunch (with one notable...more In the sequel to Chains, Curzon takes up the story of what happened to Isabel and him after their hair-raising escape from New York City. After a few months together, Curzon finds himself alone and on the run, and almost immediately (and certainly unintentionally) he becomes a soldier in the 16th Massachusetts Regiment of the Northern Continental Army of the United States of America.
This is an integrated regiment, and Curzon's fellow soldiers are a mostly young, friendly bunch (with one notable exception). After spending a hideous winter at Valley Forge, the approach of spring brings hope - until Curzon runs into his former master Bellingham. Bellingham, who had agreed to set him free, reneges on his agreement and forces him back into slavery as his house boy. Surprisingly, Isabel is also a household slave of Bellingham, and together they plot their escape.
Except for that last bit of credulity-straining coincidence, this is a smooth-flowing, quick-paced, extremely satisfying novel. Curzon is a hugely likable chap, with a fine sense of humor and intelligence to match Isabel's own. Unlike Isabel, he isn't inclined by nature to be broody or angry, and so his narration is sprightly and fresh. In fact, although slavery, war, and Valley Forge are not light topics, the tone remains bouyant, reminding me a bit of Mark Twain or Philbrick's The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg (although a different time period, of course).
The details about Valley Forge are fascinating and horrifying. Soldiers went barefoot in the snow, had so few rations that they half-starved, and had to construct their own rough huts with insufficient tools. And yet Curzon loves being a soldier because he is doing it of his own free will and for a cause he believes in. It's only when he is forced back into slavery that Curzon is filled with a smoldering and almost uncontrollable anger.
As with Chains, the reader is plunged right into Curzon's world, circa 1777/1778. Even the typeface has a period look, adding to the verisimilitude of the experience - and yet there is nothing stilted or "old-fashioned" about this novel. It carried me along like a stable boat on a smooth and swift river, and when it ended (at another turning point for Curzon and Isabel), I jumped without pause into Anderson's fabulous, informative appendix.
We stil don't know the fate of Isabel's little sister Ruth, much less what will happen to Isabel and Curzon, so I'm waiting eagerly for part 3!
Highly recommended for ages 11 to 15.
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Oct 27, 2010 Reader rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-october-2010

Let not the naysayers or saynayers tell you that this book is any less impressive than its predecessor Chains. Anderson knocks it entirely out of the park once again and readers will be the ones to reap the benefits. In this latest historical thriller (her term) Anderson follows the former slave Curzon, now fighting in the Revolutionary War, then escaping and ending up in its midst all over again. Suffering through the deprivations foisted upon him and his fellow soldiers, Curzon can't help but...more

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Oct 21, 2010 Margo Tanenbaum rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, american-revolution

If by some chance you missed Chains, you'll want to read it before delving into this sequel--the second volume of a planned trilogy. Chains, set at the beginning of the Revolutionary War, focuses on the story of Isabel, a 13-year old slave owned by a prominent New York City family who support the British. Isabel meets another slave, Curzon, with ties to the Patriots, and becomes a spy for the Patriot cause--with the hopes of obtaining her freedom.

In Forge, the story begins where Chains ends, wi...more If by some chance you missed Chains, you'll want to read it before delving into this sequel--the second volume of a planned trilogy. Chains, set at the beginning of the Revolutionary War, focuses on the story of Isabel, a 13-year old slave owned by a prominent New York City family who support the British. Isabel meets another slave, Curzon, with ties to the Patriots, and becomes a spy for the Patriot cause--with the hopes of obtaining her freedom.

In Forge, the story begins where Chains ends, with Isabel and Curzon escaping to freedom, but the focus of the story quickly changes from Isabel to Curzon. The two have separated again, with Isabel running away to try to find her sister and Curzon finding himself in the middle of the Battle of Saratoga, then enlisting in the Patriot army. The irony of a slave fighting for the freedom of others does not escape Curzon, who attempts to argue his case with his friend and fellow soldier Eben. Curzon questions whether bad laws deserve to be broken, but Eben is frustrated by Curzon's logic. "Two slaves running away from their rightful master," he says," is not the same as America wanting to be free of England. Not the same at all."

But when the army arrives at the winter encampment at Valley Forge, white and black soldiers alike are unprepared to deal with the conditions there: about 12,000 soldiers with no barracks, bitter cold, and no meat. The author begins each chapter with a quote from a contemporary source, many of which are increasingly desperate reports from General Washington to the Continental Congress on the need for supplies of all kinds, from food to shoes to clothing. Most days rations consisted of nothing but firecake, a mix of flour and water that tasted like ashes and dirt, and was "hard enough to break rat's teeth." Anderson so successfully evokes conditions at the camp that we groan along with the men at their terrible conditions. But the men manage to find a little humor in their situation..no food means "we've got nothing to fart with." A special treat for Christmas is a piece of chewy pigskin to chew on (I'm assuming like the pigs ears people buy now for our dogs).

Through all the hardship Curzon manages to keep secret that he is really an escaped slave, but he can't stop thinking about Isabel and what might have become of her. Fate is to bring them together again at Valley Forge. While General Washington and Baron von Steuben try to forge the raggedy American volunteers into real troops, Curzon and Isabel try to forge their way to a new relationship...are they more than friends or an ever-bickering brother-sister pair? And can they in turn forge their way to a life of freedom along with the Patriot army?

This book equals Chains in its ability to bring the complex world of Revolutionary America to life--a world in which some struggled for freedom while others were condemned to a life of slavery. What will happen to Curzon and Isabel? We won't know until the last volume in the trilogy comes out next year.

While the main characters in the story are fictional, Anderson integrates their story seamlessly around real-life figures such as Washington, Nathaniel Greene, Charles Wilson Peale, and others, and in an afterword explains clearly which characters are "real" and which are fictional, as well as additional historical explanations. For example, she explains how black Americans fought for both the Patriots and the British. The appendix also provides a wealth of suggestions for future reading.

But don't call her book historical fiction. The author believes historical fiction gets a bum rap from kids. Please, she begs teachers and librarians, in her blog, call her books "HISTORICAL THRILLERS." The phrase historical fiction, she says, makes kids bolt for the exit or writhe on the floor in agony because between Johnny Tremain and the excruciating boredom of history class, they think all things historical are worse than chewing on barbed wire."

I think the "thriller" label is justified for Forge, as it is for Chains--I had a hard time putting the book down, and literally gasped with shock at times as I turned the pages. Put this in the hands of young readers, please, and kudos to Anderson for another page turning thriller (with some non-excruciating history thrown in).
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Sep 22, 2010 Nicole rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: young_adult

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May 02, 2013 Emma rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, 2013-tbr-challenge, 2013-slimdown-challenge

...I think this is one of the only times I've read a 200+ page book in a day. Not that it's at all healthy; I keep seeing words all over the place. Maybe I should stop reading books for today.

Nah. I want to finish The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

So. You're probably wondering why I started reading this when I was already reading another book. Well, settle down children and I'll tell you.

I have this friend who's a really, REALLY slow reader (no offense or anything. It's just the truth). Anyway, h...more
...I think this is one of the only times I've read a 200+ page book in a day. Not that it's at all healthy; I keep seeing words all over the place. Maybe I should stop reading books for today.

Nah. I want to finish The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

So. You're probably wondering why I started reading this when I was already reading another book. Well, settle down children and I'll tell you.

I have this friend who's a really, REALLY slow reader (no offense or anything. It's just the truth). Anyway, he happened to be reading this book. And THIS book just so happens to be the sequel to Chains (if I ever reread that book, I'll post a review on it). At the time when he first started reading, I wasn't as interested as I should have. I was probably reading a really go book or something. But three weeks came and went and he was STILL reading the book. So I borrowed (*cough*stole*cough*) the book from he for a little bit and read the first thirty ages or so. But I STILL wasn't interested. It wasn't until my friend practically spoiled the whole book that I decided to check it out of the library this morning. And to force myself to get through it, I made it my personal goal to finish it before him. Which I think I did.

Onto the review.

I like the simplicity of the cover! The style is very much like Chains's cover (but I think I like that one better). But I really wish the title was BIGGER!!!

The writing style was alright. It really brought me back to that period, y'know? I would rather read medieval stuff more, though, so you can imagine that is was my cup of tea. Speaking of tea, I love all the food they talked about. It's my favorite part of the book, as it is for most books. It kinda reminds me of the latest Black Butler I read (number five). Its main focus was curry and OH MY GOSH I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE OF HUNGER IT LOOKED SO GOOD!!! Ahem. Anyway, even that firecake sounded good. But the best part was when they ate the beans. When I read, "Instead of sleeping, we farted all night long..." I almost burst out laughing because ITS SO TRUE!!! A relatable experience, I must say.

I actually think (for the first time) that I like this book, the sequel, better than the first book. That doesn't usually happen, but I guess it just did. So, I'll go ahead and give it the highest rating I can.

Rating: 5 stars(less)

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Sep 08, 2012 Cheryl rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, junior-high, multicultural, young-adult

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Apr 30, 2011 Josiah rated it 3 of 5 stars

Forge is a near-perfect example of what historical fiction can be when molded in the hands of an expert author. Laurie Halse Anderson has an uncanny knack for making the past times of our nation's history come to life in full force, allowing us to vividly experience not only the unlikely power of the early American resolve, but also the simmering righteous anger of the blacks who still could not find freedom even among the American Patriots, our forefathers who vociferously championed the philo...more Forge is a near-perfect example of what historical fiction can be when molded in the hands of an expert author. Laurie Halse Anderson has an uncanny knack for making the past times of our nation's history come to life in full force, allowing us to vividly experience not only the unlikely power of the early American resolve, but also the simmering righteous anger of the blacks who still could not find freedom even among the American Patriots, our forefathers who vociferously championed the philosophy that all men are created equal...while not quite yet persuaded, themselves, that blacks should also be entitled to those basic rights.

For people like Curzon and Isabel, black teenagers whose freedom was jerked out from under them just as they earned it, the fervent American rhetoric about freedom for all was just a bunch of words. To have dark skin in 1777 meant to never be completely assured of one's own liberty, because the law almost always believed the word of a white man over a black; therefore, even blacks who had earned their freedom could not be certain that no cruel man in want of a slave would not lay a false claim to them as a runaway slave of his own and seek the assistance of the courts to compel them back into the ugly throes of involuntary servitude. Even while supporting the stouthearted efforts of their brave young nation and going to war to protect the validity of the new republic, those with black skin fought another war for freedom of their own, and they went to this battle with far fewer allies.

In Chains, we saw the narative from the first-person perspective of thirteen-year-old Isabel. In Forge, the camera lens has shifted to the perspective of Curzon, who has been legally freed by his master, but does not know where to go next. The gunfire and violence of the American Revolution explodes all around him, endangering his life at every turn for as long as he remains alone, but eventually he is pulled into accepting a stint with a nearby military regiment. Curzon finds himself grafted in among an unusual crew of soldiers young and old, all fighting for their own particular reasons, on their way to the encampment at Valley Forge to await engagement with the enemy British troops. Thousands of soldiers end up being bunked at Valley Forge in the middle of winter, yet most possess very little clothing to protect themselves from the dangerous weather, and no one has enough food. The soldiers constantly teeter on the brink of starvation, and many die every day from the rampant disease and starvation that mercilessly stalks their ranks.

Curzon is faced with some terrifying decisions that will change his life forever, but he knows that his own personal freedom is his most valuable asset, not to be dismissed and given away for anything else that could ever be offered to him. In the strength of his determination to remain free, Curzon fights back against the forces that conspire to steal away his greatest treasure, and to preserve the liberty of the girl he loves, as well.

Will there be only one more book following Forge, or do we have further outstanding volumes of historical fiction in this miniseries to look forward to from the pen of Laurie Halse Anderson? Either way, I am convinced that no one these days does the genre better than she, and we are lucky for every book of historical import that she chooses to create. I have never felt the immediacy of the crucial details surrounding the American Revolution more keenly than when I was reading Chains and Forge. They both have taught me so much, and given me a wide-ranging and in-depth insight into the true scene of 1770s America, while telling a story that is as compelling as any other novel of the Revolution that I have ever read. With legendary books like Johnny Tremain in the discussion, that is an enormous accomplishment.

Forge is a story of potent impact and virtually flawless character design, imagination and excitement flowing from every pore as the narrative unfolds in all its literary fullness. Laurie Halse Anderson never seems to miss in the construction of her novels, and Forge is yet another important story of hers that has hit the center of the bulls-eye. I think that I would give it three and a half stars.

(less)

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Nov 12, 2010 Molly Magro rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, middle-school, favorites

Every bit as powerful, heart-poundingly suspenseful, fascinating, and honest as CHAINS. I am in love with this series.

Curzon's voice is so solidly written, and every time you think you can put the book down, something unthinkable happens and you have to keep reading. Not that this is a bad thing, it can just keep you up later than you'd like and make you extend your lunch breaks, etc...

This made me think a lot (especially since yesterday was Veteran's Day) about how many soldiers camped in mise...more

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Oct 29, 2011 Ariel Uppstrom rated it 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this novel better than its prequel, "Chains". It seemed more realistic and personal and less artificial. This book follows the boy introduced in the last book, Curzon. Curzon and Isabel escaped at the end of the last book and this one starts with Curzon alone after having been left by Isabel. He is recruited by circumstances to join the military and participate at Valley Forge. Unfortunately, his old master finds him and forces him back into slavery at his hands. He then discovers Isab...more

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Feb 06, 2013 Ava Schamel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Forge drops you into a world where there is betrayal, love, hate, and adventure. You get to see what it was like for people back when nobody was treated equally if there skin bared black. Curzon’s fight for freedom and love is what makes the book so riveting to read. You feel as if you were there watching it all go by as Curzon fights for the right to be treated equal among many white soldiers and defends his love for Isabel. As Curzon is faced to many challenges from redcoats to Bellingham to I...more

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About Laurie Halse Anderson

Laurie Halse Anderson is the New York Times-bestselling author who writes for kids of all ages. Known for tackling tough subjects with humor and sensitivity, her work has earned numerous ALA and state awards. Two of her books, Speak and Chains, were National Book Award finalists.

Mother of four and wife of one, Laurie lives in Northern New York, where she likes to watch the snow fall as she writes....more

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“This camp is a forge for the army; it's testing our mettle. Instead of heat and hammer, our trials are cold and hunger. Question is, what are we made of?” — 7 people liked it

“Broken leaves flew into the air from the violence of his thrashing, and the gore and blood kept pouring from the black hole in his belly and from his mouth - surely enough blood for ten men, a sight horrid enough to make God Himself weep - and suddenly, his boots stopped running and his form stilled and then......Death caught him.” — 2 people liked it

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