Forge

In this compelling sequel to Chains, the perspective shifts from Isabel to Curzon and we learn what it takes for runaway slaves to forge their own paths in the midst of the chaos of the American Revolution.

In the desperate circumstances of the Valley Forge winter, Curzon the boy becomes Curzon the young man. In addition to the hardships of soldiering, he lives with the fear of being discovered as an escaped slave passing for free. Isabel 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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Praise for Forge

Forge (like Chains) would be an ideal classroom companion to more traditional history book fare, one that readers will likely relish as much for its sensitive storytelling as for its gutsy depictions.”
Kidsread.com review of Forge

“It is difficult to imagine there will ever be historical fiction about this time in America that is more nuanced or respectful of time and place. . . . Anderson’s Forge is a terrific return not only to the colonial era but to historical accuracy.”
The New York Times Book Review on Forge

“Not only can this sequel stand alone, for many readers it will be one of the best novels they have ever read.”
Kirkus Reviews, starred review of Forge

“[Anderson’s] masterful storytelling weaves themes of friendship, politics, love, and liberty into a deeply satisfying tale that will leave readers hungry for the final volume.”
Publishers Weekly, starred review of Forge

“Anderson seamlessly weaves her fictitious characters into history in a cohesive, well-researched narrative about the Revolutionary War that still focuses foremost on developing characters and their interpersonal relationships.”
The Horn Book, starred review of Forge

“Anderson’s detailed story creates a cinematic sense of history while raising crucial questions about racism, the ethics of war, and the hypocrisies that underlie our country’s founding definitions of freedom.”
Booklist review of Forge

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the one book that has influenced you more than any other, in terms of who you are, how you live and what you think?

Wow – what an amazing question! I think Little House on the Prairie, by Laura Ingalls Wilder. There are a number of flaws in it, notably Wilder’s profound racism towards Native Americans and African Americans. I’m embarrassed to say that I didn’t notice these things when I was nine years old. Back then, it was just a fascinating book that sparked my interest in American history.

Re-reading it as an adult, I saw the ugly, casual racism for what it was. That helped me reexamine everything I thought I knew about American history. I started reading books and studying the work of historians who wrote about the development of the United States as seen from the perspective of people of color.

All of this helped lead me to write my trilogy about the American Revolution: CHAINS, FORGE and ASHES (this last installment is almost done.)

I am proud to be an American. I’m even prouder to be an American who is trying to help my countrymen understand our history so that we might truly fulfill the promise of the Declaration of Independence; that this will one day (soon!) become a land where everyone is treated equally.

(from Laurie’s Goodreads Q&A)

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