Published Jan. 9, 2010 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

ISBN:
978-1-4169-0586-8
Copied ISBN!

View on OpenLibrary

4 stars (3 reviews)

As the Revolutionary War begins, thirteen-year-old Isabel wages her own fight...for freedom. Promised freedom upon the death of their owner, she and her sister, Ruth, in a cruel twist of fate become the property of a malicious New York City couple, the Locktons, who have no sympathy for the American Revolution and even less for Ruth and Isabel. When Isabel meets Curzon, a slave with ties to the Patriots, he encourages her to spy on her owners, who know details of British plans for invasion. She is reluctant at first, but when the unthinkable happens to Ruth, Isabel realizes her loyalty is available to the bidder who can provide her with freedom. From acclaimed author Laurie Halse Anderson comes this compelling, impeccably researched novel that shows the lengths we can go to cast off our chains, both physical and spiritual.

1 edition

It was okay.

3 stars

This book is rather well-written, but I felt like there was something lacking. There's an odd disconnect between the pieces of primary sources used at the beginning of each chapter and the story told; I know it's meant to show the contradictions of the historical figures we're well familiar with and the narrative we're all taught, but it seems odd that none of them are related to the plight of the protagonist (an enslaved girl named Isabel).

I enjoyed it.

Also, it's interesting to note the quotes about the book that were chosen to entice readers: "Readers will care deeply about Isabel." Who chose this? Because it would be a terrible novel if you didn't care at all for the protagonist, and it's a weird quote to use when the protagonist is a young enslaved black girl.

avatar for macmurray225

rated it

5 stars
avatar for njwfish

rated it

4 stars