The book, Chains, by Laurie Halse Anderson is a hard-hitting, powerful work of historical fiction. Laurie parallels the United States' seeking independence from Britain with a young slave girl's fight for her and her sister's freedom from the tyranny of slavery. Written from the slave girl Isabel's perspective, the story is at once heart-breaking and inspiring; a true testimony of the strength and will of the human spirit. Laurie's style captures the reader and you quickly "can't put it down." Chains is well worth the time to read, digest and discuss. This would be a great book to use with a middle or high school class studying the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence or slavery in the United States.