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. 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.Īll of this helped lead me to write my trilogy about the American Revolution: CHAINS, FORGE and ASHES (this last installment is almost done.) That helped me reexamine everything I thought I knew about American history. Her work has earned numerous ALA and state awards. Re-reading it as an adult, I saw the ugly, casual racism for what it was. Laurie Halse Anderson is a New York Times bestselling author known for tackling tough subjects with humor and sensitivity. Back then, it was just a fascinating book that sparked my interest in American history. I’m embarrassed to say that I didn’t notice these things when I was nine years old. There are a number of flaws in it, notably Wilder’s profound racism towards Native Americans and African Americans. Wow – what an amazing question! I think Little House on the Prairie, by Laura Ingalls Wilder. 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? West Virginia Children's Book Award Master List Volunteer State Book Award Master List (TN) Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award Nominee Pacific Northwest Young Reader's Choice Award Master List Pacific Northwest Young Reader's Choice Award Nutmeg Children's Book Award Nominee (CT) As the American Revolutionary War rages, a thirteen-year-old girl pursues her own fight. Garden State Teen Book Award Nominee (NJ) Buy the Book Amazon Barnes & Noble Books-A-Million Indiebound AwardsĪLA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults - Top TenĬBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade BookĬharlotte Award Suggested Reading List (NY)

Chains laurie halse