Shortlisted for the CLIP Carnegie Medal 2010. With a rare and compelling voice, this haunting novel tells not only the story of a remarkable girl and her incredible strength, but also of a time and place in which slavery was the order of the day and lives were valued like weights of meat or bundles of vegetables. Above all, it is a powerful novel as well as an incredible adventure about one girl's struggle for freedom in a society in which she is considered someone else's property. Chains is the first in a series of three to feature this defiant heroine, Isabel.
Here at Lovereading4kids, we were so bowled over by this tremendous novel that we thought we would select a small number of titles that we feel will provide a terrific insight into a time and a place when slavery existed and in some places still does. So from Roman to contemporary times you're sure to find something that fascinates. Just click here to view our selection.
Isabel and her sister, Ruth, are slaves. Sold from one owner to the next, they arrive in New York as the Americans are fighting for their independence, and the English are struggling to maintain control. Soon Isabel is struggling too. Struggling to keep herself and her sister safe in a world in which they have no control. With a rare and compelling voice, this haunting novel tells not only the story of a remarkable girl and her incredible strength, but also of a time and place in which slavery was the order of the day and lives were valued like weights of meat or bundles of vegetables.
CILIP CARNEGIE MEDAL SHORTLIST 2010: JUDGES’ COMMENTS
A thrilling and page-turning novel that is extremely believable and well-constructed, giving fresh insights into the subject of slavery. Isabel is an outstanding character and the power of her spirit and self-belief is beautifully conveyed.
Laurie Halse Anderson has been published to huge critical acclaim in the United States. Known for tackling tough subjects with humour and sensitivity, her work has earned numerous awards. Two of her books, Speak and Chains, were National Book Award finalists. Chains was also shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal in the UK. In 2009 Laurie was honoured with the Margaret A. Edwards Awards, given by YALSA division of the American Library Association for her “significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature”. Mother of four and wife of one, Laurie lives in Northern New York where she likes to watch snow fall as she writes.
