Chains

Chains

• Genre: Fiction; middle grade/young adult historical
• Originally Published: 2008
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 780L; grades 5-9
• Structure/Length: 2 parts; 45 chapters; approximately 316 pages; approximately 9 hours, 29 minutes on audio
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: Chains is a middle grade/young adult historical novel set during the American Revolutionary War. The central conflict revolves around Isabel Finch, a young enslaved girl who, along with her younger sister Ruth, is sold to a Tory family in New York City. Amidst the turmoil of war, Isabel yearns for her freedom and becomes involved in the espionage efforts of the Patriots. The novel explores enslavement, freedom, and the complexities of loyalty during a pivotal period in American history. Laurie Halse Anderson’s storytelling offers a vivid and emotional portrayal of Isabel’s journey and the challenges she faces in a world torn apart by revolution.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Enslavement; historical injustice; racism and prejudice; graphic imagery; wartime violence including the violent death of a young boy; violent physical assault and abuse including of women and children; use of alcohol and tobacco; inhumane treatment of wartime prisoners

Laurie Halse Anderson, Author

• Bio: Born 1961; American author known for her contributions to young adult literature and her exploration of important social issues; celebrated for her works Speak and Fever 1793.
• Other Works: Speak (1999); Fever 1793 (2000); Catalyst (2002); Forge (2010); Ashes (2016)
• Awards: National Book Award finalist (2008); ILA Teachers’ Choices Booklist Winner (2009); Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction (2009); Top 10 Black History Books for Youth (2009)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• The Nature and Cost of Freedom
• Family as a Source of Strength and Identity
• Courage as a Spiritual Feat

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will:

• Develop an understanding of the historical contexts regarding the central conflicts of Isabel, Curzon, and others.
• Study paired texts and other brief resources to make connections to the text’s themes of The Nature and Cost of Freedom, Family as a Source of Strength and Identity, and Courage as a Spiritual Feat.
• Research and analyze chapter epigraphs to further understanding of the narrative.
• Analyze and evaluate the author’s craft to draw conclusions in structured essay responses regarding the novel’s antagonistic force, the nature of freedom, and other topics.