Chains

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

As the revolutionary war begins 13 year old Isabel ( Sal ) wages her own war for her freedom. Promised freedom upon the death of her owner, she and her sister , become the property of a vindictive New York couple who have no sympathy for the American colonies and for the two young slaves. When Isabel meets, Curzon, a slave with ties to the colonies, he encourages her to spy on her owners who know the details of British plans for invasion. She is reluctant but when the unthinkable happens to Ruth, Isabel realizes her loyalty is available to the bidder who can provide her with freedom.

This is the first book in a planned three book series. I enjoy reading the stories of Laurie Halse Anderson. she tells wonderful stories with characters that readers fall in love with and cherish for years to come. The difficulty I had with this book was its targeted audience which was designated for ages 9-12. This book was tough to read and I thought the audience should have been for those students who were a little older.