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Chains book cover

Chains

by Laurie Halse Anderson

Thorndike Press 2017

★★★★★

Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up

Reading level 5.6 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+

5th grade English
326
Pages
11
AR Points
9.5h
Read time
AR Quiz Available
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National Book Award Finalist (Young People’s Literature)Scott O’Dell Award for Historical FictionALA Notable Children’s BookJunior Library Guild Selection

Genre

Historical Fiction

Themes

  • freedom and slavery
  • courage
  • resilience
  • identity and voice
  • loyalty and betrayal
  • injustice
  • resistance
  • friendship

About this book

Set during the American Revolution, Chains follows Isabel, a young enslaved girl fighting for her freedom in British-occupied New York City. Caught between Patriots and Loyalists, she risks everything to protect her sister and chart her own future. Rich historical details and fast-paced stakes make this an engaging read for middle schoolers and up. Readers are drawn to Isabel’s courage, voice, and the way the story brings history to life.

Setting: New York City during the American Revolution (1776–1777)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chains right for my child?

It depends — here's what to consider for Chains. The reading level is AR 5.6, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include freedom and slavery, courage, resilience.

How long does it take to read Chains?

At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Chains takes around 9.5h to finish. The book has 94,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Chains have an AR quiz?

Yes — Chains has an AR quiz available, worth 11 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.

What grade level is Chains?

Chains has an AR reading level of 5.6, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.