Chains - Laurie Halse Anderson

Laurie Halse Anderson is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I was so impressed with Speak that I have recommended it to many students, parents, and teachers. This year we read Fever, 1793 as part of our Battle of the Books competition. I just finished Twisted (I will do a review later) and have Wintergirls on my nightstand.

Chains, is my favorite genre - historical fiction. I must admit that I was worried that Ms. Anderson would not be able to pull off writing from the perspective of Isabel (a.k.a. Sal) a young slave in revolutionary America. "Oh yee of little faith", Ms. Anderson has written a brilliant story based primarily in New York during the time of the American Revolution.

Though told through the eyes of Isabel, each character has the ability to bring forth imagery and meaning beyond young Isabel's short life, though trying, experiences.

""A scar is a sign of strength," he said quietly. "The sign of a survivor." He leaned forward and lightly kissed my cheek, right on the branding mark. His lips felt like a tired butterfly that landed once, then fluttered away." - page 167

I reluctantly admit this book will not appeal to the majority of middle school students I have worked with, but it should be a must read for all 8th graders. Plus, it would be a great book for a discussion group.