Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson is a historical fiction novel set in 1770s America, before the Revolutionary War, and follows 13-year-old Isabel, an enslaved Black girl. After the death of her owner, Isabel and her sister Ruth are sold to the Lockton family in New York City. Isabel becomes a spy for the American revolutionaries in exchange for a promise of freedom, facing numerous challenges as she navigates her perilous path to liberty. The novel explores themes of identity, family, and courage amid the backdrop of the American Revolution.

Laurie Halse Anderson's Chains is widely praised for its rich historical detail and compelling storytelling, vividly portraying the struggles of a young enslaved girl during the American Revolution. Critics laud the well-developed characters and emotional depth. Some reviewers, however, felt the pacing lagged in parts. Overall, it is a powerful and educational read.

Readers who enjoy Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson are typically middle school to early high school students intrigued by historical fiction, especially centered on the American Revolution. They would likely enjoy books like Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson and My Brother Sam Is Dead by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier.

Challenging / Emotional / Inspirational / Dark / Suspenseful

- Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson is the first book in the "Seeds of America" trilogy, which explores the lives of young enslaved and free Black characters during the American Revolutionary War.
- Laurie Halse Anderson was inspired to write Chains by her interest in the untold stories of Black people during the American Revolution, especially after visiting historic sites and learning about the era.
- The book Chains received the 2009 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction and was a National Book Award finalist, reflecting its critical acclaim and appeal among readers.

**Isabel Finch**  
A brave and resourceful 13-year-old girl navigating life as an enslaved person in colonial America, determined to protect her younger sister and ultimately gain freedom for both of them.

**Curzon**  
A young, kind-hearted friend and ally to Isabel, recognizable by his distinctive red cap, who has complex views about the rebellion and ultimately seeks his own promise of freedom.

**Ruth Finch**  
Isabel’s younger sister who remains a central figure in Isabel’s thoughts and motivations, despite being physically absent from much of the narrative.

**Anne Lockton (Madam)**  
The cruel and vindictive lawful owner of Isabel and Ruth, who embodies the oppressive and dehumanizing system of slavery.

**Lady Seymour**  
A wealthy woman who shows kindness to Isabel but struggles with the moral implications of slavery while offering limited aid.

Laurie Halse Anderson

Middle grade

Novel

Seeds of America

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Chains and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Chains Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-3

Chains Part 1, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 4-7

Chains Part 1, Chapters 4-7 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 8-10

Chains Part 1, Chapters 8-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 11-13

Chains Part 1, Chapters 11-13 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 14-16

Chains Part 1, Chapters 14-16 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 17-20

Chains Part 1, Chapters 17-20 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 21-24

Chains Part 1, Chapters 21-24 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 25-29

Chains Part 2, Chapters 25-29 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 30-33

Chains Part 2, Chapters 30-33 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 34-37

Chains Part 2, Chapters 34-37 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 38-40

Chains Part 2, Chapters 38-40 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 41-45

Chains Part 2, Chapters 41-45 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Chains Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Chains Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Chains Symbols & Motifs

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citation

Important Quotes

Chains Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Chains Essay Topics

Introduction

Chains Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Chains Before Reading

During Reading

Chains During Reading

After Reading

Chains After Reading

Chains

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Chains?

Reading Age

Book Details