Chains (2008) is a gripping historical novel by Laurie Halse Anderson, set during the American Revolution and the first book in the Seeds of America trilogy. The story follows Isabel, a 13-year-old enslaved girl in New York City, who is promised freedom by her late enslaver but instead is sold to a cruel Loyalist couple, the Locktons. As the Revolutionary War erupts around her, Isabel spies for the Patriots in hopes of securing her liberty, only to realize that neither side truly values Black freedom. Anderson’s meticulous research exposes the hypocrisy of a nation fighting for independence while upholding slavery, with Isabel’s fierce voice driving the narrative.
The novel’s sequel, Forge (2010), follows her friend Curzon’s journey, while Ashes (2016) concludes the trilogy. For similar Revolutionary-era stories, try Sophia’s War (2012) by Avi or Jefferson’s Sons (2011) by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.
Awards: National Book Award Finalist (2008), Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction (2009).
