Chains (Seeds of America, #1) in Pick-a-Shelf

Oct 25, 2012 Cora rated it really liked it

Shelves: american-author, american-history, lost-in-fire, woman-author, young-adult, historical-fiction, slavery, war, african-american, 18th-century

Chains is the story of a young slave during the Revolutionary War. When Isabel's owner dies, she is claimed by her only heir who conveniently did not find the will that gave Isabel and her little sister freedom. The sisters are sold to aristocratic Tories that take her to New York City, which is being fought over by rebels and loyalists. While the white residents around her fight a war over ideals such as freedom and liberty, it soon becomes clear to Isabel that slaves such as herself will not b ...more

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Jun 01, 2011 Susan rated it liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, fiction, young-adult

Isabel is a 13-year-old slave in during the American Revolutionary War. This story chronicles what happens to her beginning in late May, 1776, when her comparatively humane owner dies, through January, 1977. It's told in Isabel's own voice, so we share in her longings, her determination, her fears, and her attempt to make sense of what all these warring white people mean when they talk about freedom. Anderson's writing is straightforward and understated, which actually adds to the pathos of some ...more

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Oct 24, 2010 Tien rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, young-adult, usa

A turn of bad luck sees Isabel & her sister, Ruth, being sold to a 'genteel' household. Unfortunately, Madam herself is none too gentle with the help. Isabel's dream of freedom, of being recognised as a person, a human being, was crushed. She cannot however be brought down by this turn of event. Ruth needs her care and she has promised Momma that she would care for Ruth.

The country is teetering on the edge of war when she arrived in New York with her new owners. The Locktons are Loyalists and do ...more

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Feb 27, 2009 Leslie rated it really liked it

I must have slept in History class..Chains is a sad and eye-opening account of the Revolutionary War told by a young slave, Isabelle. I enjoy historical fiction and Chains is at the top of my list.

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Oct 06, 2008 Luann rated it it was amazing

Shelves: odell-award, american-history, gr-author, ms-rec, historical-fiction, war, young-adult, 2009, orphans

Wow. Well-written, well-researched, and definitely deserving of the awards it has received. This is an amazing work of historical fiction by Laurie Halse Anderson. I feel like I've experienced Isabel's life along with her - and a very tough life it was as a slave in New York during the early part of the Revolutionary War. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading the continuation of the story in Forge. ...more

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Jun 16, 2009 Tara rated it really liked it

What a great way to read about the revolutionary war... through the eyes of a precocious and brave slave girl. I loved how Anderson was able to depict the thoughts of freedom of the revolutionaries as well as the idea of freedom through the eyes of the slaves. I don't think I have ever read anything about this time period with this POV.
The book has a nice rhythm to it and was engaging throughout. I definitely could see why it was an award winner. ...more

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