Chains (The Seeds of America Trilogy) by Laurie Halse Anderson (2008-10-21)

This audio book was purchased as an addition to the paperback to assist my nephew as he was having difficulty understanding in standard book form. This was a tremendous asset to him as it followed along perfectly.

My 5th grader was assigned this book as an assignment. Me being the extra involved Mom, decided to read it and couldn't put it down. I actually bored it from the teacher, then purchased a copy. This was only book of the series that interest me.

Historical novels are one of my many loves in literature. This writer weaves history into a fascinating story of the American Revolution and slavery. The characters are very well formed and interesting at the least. I'm sure you've experienced some of them in your present life just like me! The descriptions of clothing, decor, mannerisms, and food are true to fact. The treatment of slaves becomes quite apparent right from the beginning. Some owners were kind, others brutal. An enjoyable, compassionate, intense book.

Assigned by my son's fourth grade teacher, I decided to read it with him. Its a good story to introduce children to the disparity between our founding fathers fighting to gain American independence while simultaneously oppressing other human beings in a manner out of all proportion to there own oppression. Told from the perspective of a little slave girl, it gave my child an awareness of this sad chapter in the story of American independence in a fair and even handed manner.

Read this book because it was required summer reading for my 8th grader. I could not put it down! It was so well written, with so much history- things I never knew-just fascinating! We also read FEVER 1793 by the same author, and it was just as wonderful!

That book as amazing. It had adventure, action and lots of exciting moments. Like when Isabel was branded and beaten. I cant tell you the whole story but if you read this book it will take you on a journey like it did with me.