Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

RISING ACTION - Who to Trust?

FALLING ACTION - Escape

RESOLUTION - A Glimpse of Freedom

Chains is an historical fiction novel set in 1776 New York City at the beginning of the American Revolution. It follows the life and struggles of Isabel, a young girl who is enslaved, and her quest for freedom.

Isabel Finch has lost both her parents and cares for her little sister Ruth. They are enslaved by Mary Finch. Isabel has been told that they will be freed upon Mary Finch's death. Instead, upon her death, Mary Finch's brother seizes Isabel and Ruth and sells them to Master and Madam Lockton.

Isabel and Ruth are treated cruelly by the Locktons. The city is abuzz with talk of the Revolution. The Locktons are Loyalists but Isabel meets Curzon, a young man enslaved by a staunch Patriot. Curzon convinces Isabel to spy for the rebels as he does, believing that it could win them their freedom.

Madam Lockton discovers that Isabel was feeding Patriot prisoners and suspects her of spying and being a traitor. Madam reveals that Ruth was sent to South Carolina. In defiance, Isabel throws the secret note she was smuggling for the Patriots into the fire.

Isabel has already been deceived by the Patriots and realizes she needs to seize her freedom herself. She forges a pass from Master Lockton and escapes in the middle of the night. She sneaks Curzon out of prison, pretending he is dead, steals a boat, and rows across the Hudson river to New Jersey.

This is the first book in a three-part series. The novel ends with Curzon and Isabel on the run in New Jersey. Isabel has finally freed herself from the Lockton's but now must figure out a way to South Carolina to find her little sister Ruth. The journey continues ...