Chains

Story Summary

Chains is the first book in Anderson’s trilogy on the American Revolution. It is ultimately historical fiction, but Anderson does a wonderful job of accurately portraying the events of this time in American History by including excerpts from historical documents, newspapers, letters, etc. This young adult novel is an emotional tale of a young girl’s struggle to break the “chains” (both metaphorically and physically) holding her captive from the freedom she deserves. Chains provides a complex level of depth, as it provides parallel stories of slavery; both for the individuals that were held hostage as slaves and our nation as a whole fighting for its freedom. Told from the perspective of thirteen year old Isabel, her journey and fight for freedom is also a story of bravery, loss, loyalty, injustice, suffering, identity, friendship, and family.

Author Overview

Historical Fiction in the Classroom

Why, Historical Fiction?

“history never has a single side to a story, and children’s literature in the form of historical fiction (and historical nonfiction) is a good way to introduce children to a variety of perspectives.”

Tunnel et al, 2016, p.156.

“Indeed, much of our history is unsavory. But the lessons history has to teach us will go unlearned if we are forever softening the factual account.”

Tunnel et al, 2016, p.157.

“Because young readers are accosted with a study of history that generally ignores the people that aren’t historically famous- people like themselves- almost no children are ever mentioned. Therefore the gap between themselves and the dusty past widens.”

Tunnel et al, 2016, p.158.

“A historical period is brought to life when the author recreates the physical environment, patters of daily living, and spirit of the times. What was it like to live from day to day in Boston in 1775? Or London in 1215? What did a servant eat? What diseases were feared? Who went to school and who didn’t?

Tunnel et al, 2016, p.159.

Examining Chains:

Now that we know- Why, Historical Fiction… Lets look at- Why, Chains?

Anderson does an incredible job of creating a believable character that has so much depth. Right away we get to know this story’s protagonist, Isabel, and immediately are provided with numerous opportunities to develop a strong personal & emotional connection to her character. She represents so many admirable qualities such as inner strength, responsibility, loyalty, courage that help the reader become invested in her as a person, her journey , struggles, and pursuit of freedom. Despite being set more than 200 years ago, and the fact that Isabel is enslaved (which both provide unique perspectives in history), she also embodies many common perspectives that allow a young reader to easily relate become invested in her story. Perspectives that Isabel exemplifies include but are not limited to: being a young adult, a girl, a sister, being an orphan, and overcoming adversity just to name a few.

Anderson presentation of setting not only sets the stage for the historical time period, but also gives much attention to position and scene that make up Isabel’s whereabouts as it becomes increasingly relevant to the overall plot. It is clear that Anderson did her historical research. The events of the time are documented accurately and provide the reader with a lens from which to view this period in history. Her well crafted balance of historical accuracy, strong character development, and engaging plot brings this story alive in the hands and minds of the reader!

In regards to Anderson’s credibility of plot, all of the fundamental elements of a quality plot were present. There was no debate that the “major dramatic question”or MDQ was clearly evident, her pacing and the rising tension over conflicting points of view and the story’s central issues kept the story moving and engaging (Tunnel et al, 2016). Anderson’s impressive quality of writing allows her to seamlessly weave numerous, dynamic and powerful, themes throughout this compelling plot. There is so much dimension to her characters and language choices; however, as this is book 1 in a series of 3, the conclusion of the story is left a bit unresolved. Although, depending on the individual reader’s preference, what may seem unresolved to one reader may be a captivating to others.

In Conclusion…

Chains is truly an unforgettable story and a wonderful example of well-written historical fiction. It is the perfect selection for implementing Transactional Theory within the classroom. It has the potential for both efferent and aesthetic perspectives in regards to reader’s stance. Furthermore, I see this book provoking a very powerful learning journey! Though history should never be sugar coated, in consideration of the content and precise language used, I do see this book being more appropriate for middle school aged students, rather than primary aged students. Therefore, I am not sure that I will have the opportunity to utilize this book anytime soon; but, I highly recommend it to middle school teachers EVERYWHERE!!

References:

Anderson, L. H. (2008). Chains, New York, NY. Atheneum

Tunnell, M. O.; Jacobs, J.S.; Young, T.A. & Bryan, G. (2016). Children’s Literature: Briefly, 6th Edition. Boston, MA. Pearson.