Laurie Halse Anderson’s Seeds of America Trilogy is one of my favorite historical fiction trilogies for tweens, teens and adults. Today, I am reviewing the final book in the trilogy, Ashes, but will include brief synopsis of the first two books, Chains and Forge, because it gives the reader a perspective of the revolutionary war that is relatively unknown and not talked about — the important role of black soldiers in the creation of our nation and their hopes and dreams. Although, you could read Ashes and still understand the story, you would miss the rich alternating voices of the characters Isabel and Curzon and their journey that began in 1776 with Chains and ends in 1781 with Ashes. I strongly suggest you read the three books in order.
Ashes: The Seeds of America Trilogy, Book #3
Laurie Halse Anderson, Author
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Historical Fiction, Oct. 4, 2016
Suitable for Ages: 10-14
Themes: American Revolution, Black Soldiers, Slavery, Freedom,
Book Synopsis: “Freedom for one, freedom for all? That’s the question that burns in Isabel’s mind as she and Curzon forge on through chaos and fear toward the dream that’s kept them alive for so many years: freedom. But her dream of living not as a “runaway” but as a free person with land and a family of her own seems impossibly far away. That dream hinges on one thing: finding her little sister, Ruth.
It’s been three years since Ruth was stolen from her. Is she even alive? And if Isabel can find her, how will they make it safely through the war between the Patriots and the British that rages on as dangerously as ever in 1781, while bounty hunters try to kidnap them at every turn! In the American Revolution, one must pick a side in order to survive. But how can you care about a nation’s freedom when the very same nation has kept you in chains?
Why I like this book:
Laurie Halse Anderson is a skillful literary author. Her language and dialogue is exquisite. Her novel is bold and breathtaking. Her settings are unimaginably descriptive and believable. It is easy to get lost in the realistic plot where you can smell the sweat of laboring men digging trenches, hear the nearby exploding cannon balls and feel the bone-chilling cold of nights in the camps. The pacing keeps readers fully engaged.
Thoroughly researched, this engaging novel offers readers a fresh perspective on the role the black community played during the war, including women and children. Each chapter is introduced by a quote from significant historical figures during the war that helps provide insight into the attitudes of the war: Gen. George Washington, James Madison, King George III, Abigail Adams to her husband John Adams, Thomas Paine and many other regiment leaders, judges and slaves. It is a very effective tool that gives readers a greater sense of the overall mood of that period of history.
Although the story is about the war effort where Isabel, Curzon and Ruth are firmly planted in the middle, there is a stronger theme running through this final book for the threesome — freedom from slavery and not just from England. The memorable characters are all dealing with secrets and inner demons that drive their story forward and require sacrifice, courage, trust, resilience and an unwavering commitment to each other.
Chains, Book #1, 2008
National Book Award Finalist
Synopsis from the author’s website: If an entire nation could seek its freedom, why not a girl? 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. Check out Sue Kooky’s review today of CHAINS at her website Kitty cat at the Library.
Forge, Book #2, 2010
Synopsis from the author’s website: Blistering winds. Bitter cold. And the hope of a new future. In this compelling sequel to Chains, a National Book Award Finalist and winner of the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction, acclaimed author Laurie Halse Anderson shifts perspective from Isabel to Curzon and brings to the page the tale of what it takes for runaway slaves to forge their own paths in a world of obstacles—and in the midst of the American Revolution.
The Patriot Army was shaped and strengthened by the desperate circumstances of the Valley Forge winter. This is where Curzon the boy becomes Curzon the young man. In addition to the hardships of soldiering, he lives with the fear of discovery, for he is an escaped slave passing for free. And then there is Isabel, who is also at Valley Forge—against her will. She and Curzon have to sort out the tangled threads of their friendship while figuring out what stands between the two of them and true freedom.
Laurie Halse Anderson is descended from many soldiers who fought in the American Revolution. Known for tackling tough subjects with humor and sensitivity, her work has earned numerous ALA and state awards. Two of her books, Speak and Chains, were National Book Award finalists. You can follow her on Twitter @Halse Anderson, or visit her at her website. Anderson has prepared teacher guides and other activities for teachers.
Check other Middle Grade review links on author Shannon Messenger’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday post.
This sounds like a really interesting trilogy, Patricia, with a story that needs to be shared to deepen understanding and empathy.
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I highly recommend this series. It is so well written and you learn so much about how black soldiers and families were involved in the Revolutionary War, especially on the Patriots side. The women served as much as the men. Their goal, to finally gain freedom from slavery through service.
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A battle worth fighting, that’s for sure, but one that should not have had to be fought.
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Yes, I agree. It was a battle worth fighting, but it didn’t have the results many black families had hoped. I found that it interesting that the British took many slaves who stood with them to Canada and Europe, as they withdrew from the war. Many gained freedom, others didn’t.
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I think we still need a lot of improvement in the situation – there and here.
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We have come a long way, but still so much to do. I agree! The darkness reared its head during our presidential campaign. So much to heal!
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There is!
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What a great series! The writing sounds exquisite and it would be a much more motivating way for kids to learn about this time in our history.
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Thank you Greg. Anderson is a master at storytelling, especially historical fiction. A series like this does engage and motivate teens to learn about history.
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One of those books that make history interesting. The covers are excellent.
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Yes, it does humanize history for teens and makes it! I loved the series.
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She’s an amazing writer.
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I agree. All of her books are compelling, but I really love her historical fiction.
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I’ve heard of this series but didn’t know anything about it, so thank you for the review, Pat! Such a perfect set for Black History Month.
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Thanks Teresa! I’m glad you enjoyed the review.
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How I love this series. Not being seeped already in these events, this time period really came alive to me through these novels.
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Yes, I felt the same way. I love how she humanizes history and makes it so compelling for readers.
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I’ve been dying to read the third one, so I just skimmed your review, but thanks for posting (and I added your link to my post today, because the books dovetail so well!)
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It has been six years since she wrote the first two novels. So it is a delight to read the conclusion. Thank you for linking to my review. Will look forward to your review.
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You perfectly described her writing style. This is a phenomenal series, I’m glad to hear the character are still very complex at the end of the series! And thanks for staying away from spoilers + the link back! 🙂
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I love Anderson’s work. I know you will enjoy the sequels. We certainly were on the same page today with our reviews — as was Joanne Roberts. Thanks for linking.
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I enjoyed the first book and I really need to get to the others. I’m so glad to hear others enjoyed it. I really love books where the author has a strong writing style that comes off as unique. Thanks for the review!
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We waited a long time for Anderson to complete the trilogy with ASHES! It was worth the wait. You will love the book!
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Wow! I didn’t know there was a trilogy. The first one was on my radar screen for when I had time to read it, but now there are 2 more!
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Now, you can read them without delay and everything will be fresh in your mind! Powerful trilogy!
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I’ve read and loved the first two books (and I have signed copies!) but haven’t yet read ASHES so thank you for this review. The book is already on my TBR list and I hope to get to it soon. Laurie Halse Anderson is one of our national treasures. She’s so dedicated, she spends years researching these novels. When she visited the bookstore where I worked, she told us she has to know every detail of the time period and how the people lived, even if those details don’t make it into the book.
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I agree, she is a treasure! I love all her work, but am partial to her historical fiction. Wow, you were so lucky to have heard her talk about the books and her research. You will enjoy ASHES!
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I haven’t read this series. I do love her writing though. I will have to check these out. What a great choice for Black History month. Thanks for the post.
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I hope you read the trilogy Rosi as I know you would enjoy Anderson’s prose. She’s such a master story teller.
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This sounds like a moving, fascinating read, and is definitely one I’ll pick up!
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I think you’ll find the sequel engaging and you will learn a lot!
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Never knew about this trilogy. Excellent way for children to learn our country’s rocky history on slavery.
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Thanks for visiting! And, it is a great series for adults.
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CHAINS is a book that I found my 13-year-old reluctant reader of a son reading on the couch. A shocking scene! He finished it, praised it, and told me I should read it. Good job, Laurie Halse Anderson.
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Chains is a gripping novel! I’m not surprised he found is so engaging! Good for him! The next sequel, Forge, is told in Curzon’s voice and is focused on his life in the military.
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