For many readers, Forge "will be one of the best novels they have ever read" (starred review from Kirkus Reviews)! 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.
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"I really liked this book and chains. I like the history part and the characters, I want to know that they have a happy ending. Book 3 doesn't come out until Oct. "
— Camie (4 out of 5 stars)
" Continues the story of Isabel and Curzon, two runaway slaves in Colonial America. I think I enjoyed this one even more than Chains. Both bring up questions of liberty and the juxtaposition of a nation seeking freedom from its oppressors, while denying the liberty of others within its boundaries. "
— Heather, 5/19/2011" Okay, I could've given this one 4 stars; it really was a toss up. I very much missed hearing this one on audio, as I had Chains. I liked Curzon and the rich details of the story, but his world didn't become mine in the same was Isabel's had. I do plan on reading the third, Ashes, at some point. "
— Heather, 5/18/2011" A well-researched and emotional historical fiction read, but not quite as good as "Chains". "
— June, 5/16/2011" Didn't like it quite as much as Chains, but still a good read. "
— Dawnia, 5/12/2011" Loved this as much as Chains and am once again eagerly awaiting the next installment. "
— Gretchen, 5/9/2011" The first book was slightly more gripping, but this is still a great read. I love that the narrator changes and Anderson shows us about life at Valley Forge. "
— Liz, 5/4/2011" second book told by curzon definetly bestset of best!!!!! so great definetly a page turner!!! "
— Rylee, 5/1/2011" ahhhhhhhh a good war just to make you read the book never lose "
— Daniel, 4/29/2011" Isn't it ironic that the American Revolution's high ideals of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" didn't include their slaves? "
— Cheryl, 4/20/2011" Not as good as Chains, I think because it was narrated by corzan rather than Isabel. Although it would appeal more to boys. It would be interesting to have a class read both and see how they felt. Also, I felt a little duped at the end as it was SO OBVIOUSLY leading up to book #3. "
— Danielle, 4/17/2011" This is a wonderful follow-up to the amazing book Chains. I would highly recommend the audio version, as the narrator is gripping! "
— Megan, 4/15/2011" I cannot wait for the next book in this series. "
— Tonya, 4/14/2011Laurie Halse Anderson, New York Times bestselling author, writes for kids of all ages. Known for tackling tough subjects with humor and sensitivity, her work has earned numerous American Library Association and state awards. Two of her books, Speak and Chains, were National Book Award finalists. Chains also made the Carnegie Medal shortlist in the United Kingdom. She lives in northern New York, where she likes to watch the snow fall as she writes. She and her husband, Scot, plus their menagerie of critters, enjoy country living and time in the woods. When not writing or hanging out with her family, you can find her training for marathons or trying to coax tomatoes out of the rocky soil in her backyard.
James Fouhey is an actor and narrator living in New York City. He received classical training at Boston University and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. He has recorded more than forty audiobooks across a variety of genres, including science fiction, romance, young adult fiction, and children’s fiction.