“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
The Declaration of Independence
July 4, 1776
Laurie Halse Anderson on the inspiration for writing Chains
About https://player.pbs.org/viralplayer/3002470142/” data-wplink-url-error=”true”>African American history as American History
ABOUT THE BOOK
Set in 1776 at the beginning of the American Revolution, Isabel and her younger sister, Ruth, are robbed of the freedom granted them in Miss Mary Finch’s will. The girls are forced to leave Rhode Island when they are sold to a cruel and ruthless Loyalist family from New York. As the war between the Tories and the Patriots escalates in a city divided in its loyalties, Isabel’s personal battles grow. Madam Lockton, the wife of the new owner, is spooked by Ruth’s fits and sends her away. Isabel is abused and branded for disobedience. And Curzon, the boy who convinces Isabel that the only way to freedom is to become a spy for the rebels, is captured and thrown in prison. Feeling lonely and desperate, Isabel is faced with a difficult question: Should she work for or against the British? When Isabel searches deep within her soul for the answer, she makes a life-changing discovery — she is loyal only to herself. Thus begins her real journey in the pursuit of freedom and happiness.
PRE-READING
The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. What did our forefathers mean by the phrase “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness?” Think about these words as Isabel’s story unfolds
Timeline and map for Chains
“The Top Ten Secrets of New York City’s Former Slave Market” by Anne Guerra
Slavery in NYC – the African Burial Ground
While we are reading we will use the following resources:
Calendar and reading schedule and list of vocabulary words
Chains character chart
Chains sign-post (AA) & “power lines” tracker
Chapters 1-5
Chapters 6-10
Chapters 11-19
Chapters 20 – 30
Chapters 30 – 40
comprehension questions for last section book
All Men Are Created Equal
Laurie Halse Anderson on her inspiration for writing Chains
Read through this timeline from the 1619 Project : A New American Timeline ; then, answer these questions with a partner. Be as specific as possible.
Race: The Power of an Illusion documentary (episode 2 – about the Declaration of Independence and race)
The evolution of race in the United States
Dr. Terrence Roberts on understanding history
P&G advertisement about “the Talk”
Laurie Halse Anderson’s Heroes not Hate Project
7th grade Language Arts 