Common Sense Media Review
By Common Sense Media
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Powerful story of slavery in 1776 New York.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 18 kid reviews
Kids say that the book is largely engaging and well-written, with many appreciating its exploration of complex themes such as slavery and resilience, although some found the initial chapters difficult to get into or the content too mature for younger readers. While it has moments of violence and dark imagery, the overall narrative is praised for its educational value and character development, making it suitable and enjoyable for older kids, particularly those over the age of 12.
- engaging storytelling
- mature themes
- character development
- educational value
- suitable for older kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Before CHAINS begins, two young Black enslaved women -- Isabel and her younger sister, Ruth -- were promised they would be freed upon their mistress's death. Instead, their late mistress's nephew sells them to the Locktons, a wealthy Loyalist and his mean-spirited wife. At the Locktons' home in New York, the girls work hard and are cruelly mistreated, while the British and Americans fight over the city. When a young enslaved man on the rebel side asks Isabel to become a spy, she agrees, based on his assurance that the rebels will help free her. However, the colonists are ultimately only interested in their own freedom, and by helping the rebels, Isabel risks her own safety.
Is It Any Good?
Laurie Halse Anderson's brutally realistic novel will move and educate readers about slavery in late 18th century New York. Isabel is courageous and bright, and devoted to her little sister. Youngsters will respond to her pain and the unfairness of her situation, and they will get a sense of the incredible physical and emotional hardships that enslaved children endured. This novel also uniquely sets the crime of slavery within the context of the American Revolutionary War, inviting children to examine the concept of "freedom" in relation to the colonists vs. the enslaved.
The appendix -- which is offered in a question-and-answer format -- provides further context and historical facts. It explains which events in the novel were real and which are fiction, and helps readers make sense of a story that may challenge their previous ideas about "good guys and bad guys" in the Revolutionary War. This engaging novel will entertain readers while encouraging a deeper understanding of the brutality of slavery and war.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Isabel's bravery. What gives her courage? How is she different from other female heroes you've read about?
How does Isabel's story compare with other things you've read and learned about the American Revolutionary War?
Did this book make you want to read the rest of the series? What do you hope will happen in books 2 and 3? What do you think will happen?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Historical Fiction
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , History
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster
- Publication date : October 1, 2008
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 11 - 13
- Number of pages : 316
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate