This book was a total surprise for me. I didn't even know there was going to be a sequel to Laurie Halse Anderson's Chains, so when I saw this in a book store over the Thanksgiving holiday, I bought it right away. Some of you read Chains after reading my blog entry about it in May. Forge doesn't disappoint. You can read this book as a stand alone, but I would recommend reading Chains first. Isabel, our heroine is one of the most memorable book characters of all time, and Forge continues her story. I would highly recommend this book for all those who love historical fiction, and early American history.
From School Library Journal
Gr 6-10–This sequel to Chains (S & S, 2008) opens with Curzon, an enslaved teen who was freed from prison by Isabel, recalling his escape and anticipating the future. After an argument with Isabel about where they should go next, the 15-year-old battles the British at Saratoga and winters in Valley Forge with the Patriots. He reveals many details of the conditions endured by the soldiers during the winter of 1777-1778, including the limited food supply, lack of adequate shelter, and tattered clothing. When Curzon and Isabel meet again, they have both been captured and must devise a plan of escape once again. While the Patriots are fighting for the freedom of a country, these young people must fight for their personal freedom. This sequel can be read alone but readers will benefit from reading the first book, which develops the characters and reveals events leading up to the winter at Valley Forge.
