Chains

Chains is a remarkable book for young adults about a slave girl, Isabel, in New York at the beginning of the Revolutionary War.  Always thinking about curriculum, I found this book when searching for appropriate novels to create a literature circle unit of books from colonialism through the Civil War.

Literature often provides a gateway to history, especially for those students who find the subject of American History dry.  Through Isabel's eyes, I learned about slavery in the colonies, as well as, the difference between the Patriots and the Torys.  Madame, Isabel's cruel owner, is an impossible character to like.  Her actions throughout the novel, as well as the British soldiers who were reluctant to help Isabel, and Curzon, the rebel slave boy, will spark interesting conversations about good versus evil.

I was riveted throughout my reading; however, I was disappointed in the ending, but only because it ended!  Isabel and Curzon's stories will be continued in Anderson's forthcoming novel, Forge, will be released sometime this year.  I hope that my students will be just as interested in reading the rest of Isabel and Curzon's stories as I am!