Laurie Halse Anderson has done it again. The author of Speak — a book I highly recommend you read if you haven’t already — has now written a truly terrific novel about the American Revolution.
Oh, no. That, again, you say? As if you haven’t already spent enough time memorizing dates and places and learning about tea parties in Boston. As if you want to hear another tale about lobsterbacks and the heroism of our founding fathers. Well, guess what? This … is not about that.
No, this story is about Isabel, a teenage slave who becomes the property of a wealthy New York family when her owner dies. It’s about a young woman who has no allegiance to rebels or loyalists, who is caught up in a war that offers to freedom to others, but not to her.
I have to say I learned a lot from this book — it’s chock full of New York history, stories about how the war impacted people right here in my hometown. And it’s also a wonderfully told chronicle of those who want to be free. Loyalists, rebels, women, children: no one in this novel is having an easy time of it. Laurie’s characters, even the more villainous ones, are multi-faceted, and did I mention that her research is exquisite? Because it really is.
Oddly, this title is listed as middle-grade fiction. I’m not slamming middle-grade stuff, not at all. Indeed, there are times when I wish I could read and review everything, because I do get quite a bit of middle grade fiction that is worthwhile. But I’m surprised because I think this is a book that will resonate with the YA audience and even with an adult audience. It’s smart, and detailed, and moving … and it is not at all “young.” In fact, one of the thoughts that has stayed with me since I read Chains is that it would be a perfect book to use in the classroom. I could see it being taught in ninth grade English, and I could see students really learning from it.
But alas. I am not a curriculum expert, or even a teacher (although I do tutor high school seniors who are working on college admission essays … but that really isn’t quite the same). Still, if I had the opportunity, I would recommend this tome to teachers all over the US. Indeed, I’d buy copies for every eighth grade history teacher and ninth grade English teacher and pray that some of them would use it in class.
Laurie’s book is most certainly in my top five for 2008. I’ve decided not to make a formal top five list, because there have been so many fantastic books this year. But seriously? Chains is one of the best YA books I’ve ever read, not just one of the best books I’ve read this year. It’s fantastic, and kudos to Laurie for exploring the domestic, female, under-appreciated side of the American Revolution.
Much love,
brina
PS. Oh, and more proof this book rocks? It’s a finalist for the 2008 National Book Award. Yay, Laurie!