History+and+History+Makers+Of+People+and+Places

Anderson, L. H. (2008). //Chains//. New York: Simon and Schuster Publishers.


 * Genre:** Historical Fiction


 * Ages:** Ages 13 – 16


 * Personal Reaction:** //Chains// is a story about two young slaves, Sal and Ruth, who are sold to a couple in New York, when their first owner passed away. Instead of the freedom they were promised, they are sold back into bondage. Sal finds herself in the heart of the Revolutionary War conflict. Her masters are Loyalists, but Sal is convinced to help the Rebel cause. Throughout the story, her sister is sold, Sal is branded due to her supposed disrespect to her master’s wife, and a friend is imprisoned for his involvement with the Rebel cause. Throughout these trials, Sal just wants to be free. Her escape at the end of the book is the basis for a sequel.

Overall, this book was an interesting look at the Revolutionary War. I personally think the beginning and the end of the book was well written and will capture the attention of an young adult who is interested in the Revolutionary War. One concern I have is this book draws on background information that hopefully a middle school student will have been exposed to. Another concern is parts of the story are very slow as they deal with the historical aspects of the story.

Laurie Halse Anderson was born near the border of Canada. Anderson’s career began when she started writing children’s books. Anderson plans to write more books about historical fiction and young adult books for the next few years.
 * Author Facts:**


 * Websites:** http://www.writerlady.com/

Draper, S. (2006). //Copper sun.// New York: Atheneum Books.


 * Genre:** Historical Fiction


 * Ages:** Ages 15 to 18


 * Personal Reaction:** //Copper Sun// describes Amari’s journey from Africa to a slave plantation. The book begins by describing how Amari’s tribe was brutally slaughtered and the survivor’s journey on a slave ship. While the journey exposed Amari to experiences one should never have to live through, she still holds onto her hope. After she arrives in America, she is sold to an owner as a birthday present for his son Clay.

Here on the plantation, she is forced to be with Clay at night and work hard during the day. However, an indentured servant Polly, who thinks she is better than anyone of color, becomes a trusted friend. After seeing another slave and newborn baby brutally murdered by the slave owner, the doctor helps Polly, Amari, and Tidbit (another slave) escape. The three runaways are able to escape to Florida where they can live under Spanish rule.

Draper’s writing is intense and draws the reader immediately into the story. While the events are painful, one can not help but root for Polly and Amari as they stand strong against the injustices of life. Draper opens the reader’s eyes to a life of slavery that one may not have ever seen.


 * Author Facts:** She has been honored as National Teacher of the Year. In 2007, Draper was awarded the Coretta Scott King award for //Copper Sun.// She received her Doctorate from Pepperdine University in 2009.


 * Websites:** http://sharondraper.com/

Myers, W. D. (2008). //Sunrise over fallujah.// New York: Scholastic Press.


 * Genre:** Historical Fiction


 * Ages:** Ages 16 - 18

Myers’ strips aside the typical “tough soldier” routine and shows the reader the decisions a soldier has to make daily to stay alive and to help meet the objectives of the mission.
 * Personal Reaction:** //Sunrise Over Fallujah// is about Robin, also known as Birdy, a nineteen year old from Harlem that joins the military. He is sent over to participate in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Myer’s effectively shows the varied emotions that Birdy feels throughout the story, such as fear, shock, and sorrow at the death of one of his close friends.

Without becoming too political, both sides of this war are shown to experience sorrow. Myers’ avoids the question of whether America should be involved in this war, and focuses on the experiences that the Civilian Affairs Unit is exposed to. I really enjoyed this historical fiction book. The character of Robin has the ability to draw the reader in, and make them relate to the emotions he feels throughout the book.


 * Author Facts:** Walter was given away at a young age to a man named Herbert Dean and his wife. He joined the army on his 17th birthday. Walter loves basketball.


 * Websites:** http://www.walterdeanmyers.net/