Written by Laurie Halse Anderson
Published January 5, 2010
A well written and heartbreaking story of a young black girl Isabel and her sister, Ruth. When the master of the two girls dies they were told that they will be given their freedom, but when the master’s brother arrives he rejects their claim and sells them to loyalists in New York City during the Revolutionary War. The loyalist couple that own the two girls are cruel and abusive. Isabel observes the struggle between the loyalists and the rebels fighting for their freedom, while wondering why her freedom is not given any consideration. She watches slaves fight for the freedom of a nation that does not allow her freedom. This novel is written from Isabel’s perspective and Anderson’s writing style matches the voice of the character perfectly. I would highly recommend this book to all readers (adults and young adults).
“This is not our fight’, the old man said. ‘British or American, that is not the choice. You must choose your own side, find your road through the valley of darkness that will lead you to the river Jordan. . . Look hard for your river Jordan, my child. You’ll find it.”
Appeal Notes (May contain spoilers):
Genre: First person narratives; Historical fiction
Pacing: Leisurely
Location: American Colonies, New York
Storyline: Character driven; told from Isabel’s perspective.
Tone: Bleak
Writing Style: Descriptive
Comments: A beautifully written story about one girl’s struggle to live as a slave during the Revolutionary War.
