Tag archives for Laurie Halse Anderson
Posted by BOOK NAME: Fever 1793
AUTHOR: Laurie Halse Anderson
An epidemic in the United States, yellow fever, is brought to life in the book Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson.
Matilda is a young girl growing up in 1793 in the town of Philadelphia with her mother and grandfather. In the coffeehouse that her family runs, all the talk is that Yellow Fever is spreading in the city and taking lots of lives. Soon, her mother is infected with fever and there is no good cure. Yellow fever is contagious; hence Grandfather and Matilda flee from the town. However, Matilda contracts the disease and is cured by knowledgeable French doctors. The two of them head home and are shocked to find the city of Philadelphia deserted. Facing such hard times, Matilda wonders when the epidemic will end and life will be normal.
Fever 1793 is a very intriguing historical fiction book. It brings out a tragic time in America’s history through an interesting story. The story weaves in facts about the Yellow Fever like symptoms such as yellow skin and black vomit and treatments for the disease such as bleeding and the drinking of mercury. It is inspiring how a care-free girl like Matilda learns to help others and take on responsibilities in difficult times. At the end of some chapters, there was a lot of suspense, which made the book really fun to read.
BOOK NAME: Chains
AUTHOR: Laurie Halse Anderson
Isabel, the main character in this book, is headstrong and hopeful during times of struggle. Chains, a historical fiction book written by Laurie Halse Anderson tells Isabel’s story. This book shows that if you have determination, even when there are lots of challenges, you can still succeed.
After their mother died, Isabel, a young slave girl, is sold along with her sister Ruth to cruel masters, the Locktons. Here, as a slave during the Revolutionary War in New York, she is forced to do various chores for her Loyalist owners. She, however, understands the true cruelty of Madam Lockton when they sell Ruth away from Isabel. Isabel cannot bear this and therefore tries to run away. She is unable to and returns to the house. Also, Isabel has to make up her mind whether to favor the British or the Americans. She secretly helps out American prisoners including her friend Curzon. But, most of all, Isabel keeps on thinking about her freedom. Will she ever be able to earn it?
I would definitely suggest this exciting read to ages 10 and above. It is told from a slave, Isabel’s, point of view, giving an in-depth view into slavery. Also, this book portrays mood so strongly that you go through Isabel’s feelings and pain. Interestingly, the book is written in journal form and at the beginning of every chapter there is a quote which I liked to read. After reading this book, I’m definitely going to read its sequel Forge.
Want another opinion? Read Sheila’s review!
Posted by BOOK NAME: Chains
AUTHOR: Laurie Halse Anderson
Chains takes place during the Revolutionary War, a time in history when we were trying to make our own country. This is a story about one particular African slave, Isabel, who fights unfair circumstances and treatment. During these trying times, she questions herself and her life, and has many doubts. Isabel lives with her owner and is set to be freed upon the owner’s death. However, she is sold to cruel, unpleasant people who are loyal to the British. Since this story takes place in New York City while the war is happening, Isabel has a front row seat to lots of action. She faces much danger, but does her part to fight for both her freedom and that of her new country.
One time as a punishment, she is given a scar on her cheek in the shape of the letter S. The S stands for insolence and it causes her much humiliation. But after all her trials, she begins to take pride in the letter and says it really stands for Isabel. The story ends with a surprise, so I wont’ give it away, but I can tell you to never give up! I learned from Isabel that there is always hope, even in the bleakest situations. In fact, hope may be the only thing you have to get you through difficult times.
I really like historical fiction because you get a better insight as to the issues people faced during a specific time period. In Chains, you can better appreciate the horrors of both slavery and war. I also chose this book because it was nominated for the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award and these books are always a good read. This is one of the better books I’ve read, so I really wanted to stay up all night to finish it. I think everyone should read this book to see the mistakes of the past so we can avoid making them in the future.
