Chains

by Laurie Halse Anderson

Set from May 1776 to October 1777 in New York City, Chains is the story of Isabel and Ruth, sisters who are still slaves because of a broken promise to free them. Isabel must protect her five-year-old sister, but she has little influence over anything that happens to either one of them. Isabel’s quest for freedom is paralleled by the Patriots’ quest for freedom.  Isabel is strong, smart, and brave as she takes great risks to spy for the Patriots in an attempt to gain freedom for Ruth and herself. Isabel endures brutality and survives so that she really may break the chains of slavery.

Isabel’s story is woven in the historical events of the Revolution. Even though she is a fictitous character, her story helps put a face on slavery and the very real heartbreak and loss the enslaved suffered.  She lost her parents but gains strength from her memories of their strength and the stories of where they came from. She risks losing her sister, having Ruth sold away from her.

In addition to Isabel’s story, I really liked the excerpts from historical documents at the beginning of every chapter.