Anderson, Laurie Halse.
CHAINS
New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2008
IL 5-8, RL 5.2
ISBN 1416905855
(2 booktalks)

She promised! Isabel had seen the papers. When Miss Finch died, Isabel and her sister Ruth would be free, but they were sold again. As the Americans were fighting for their independence from the British, Isabel was fighting for her freedom. Follow her as she goes from slave to American Revolutionary War spy.  (Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Awards Program, 2009-2010)

Booktalk #2

"Did you see Ruth"? "You will not address me in that insolent manner". Her voice shook a little. Becky wrung her hand. "Come, Isabel. You need to peel the potatoes. Would Madam like some tea or coffee?" I took another step up. "Answer me, you miserable cow. Did you sell my sister?" Chains by Laurie Anderson is a historical fiction that runs with a slave girl named Isabel that is trying to reach freedom. After her momma passed away Isabel and her sister Ruth were sold to their new master Mr. and Mrs. Lockton. Mrs. Lockton is full of anger and treats the two girls with hate. In the life of Isabel many things are happening such as the Revolutionary War, Ruth being sold, meeting a boy named Curzon, and becoming a spy for a leader in the war. Will Isabel get caught as a spy or will she reach freedom to be with her sister? Read Chains by Laurie Anderson to find out. (Alex Ard,  al-ard@wiu.edu,  college student)