83 pages 2 hours read

Laurie Halse Anderson

Chains

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2008

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

PART 1, CHAPTERS 1-3

Reading Check

1. By whom does Isabel hope to be purchased?

2. Who purchases Isabel and her sister?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. According to Mary Finch’s will, what is supposed to happen to Isabel and Ruth upon Mary’s death? What happens instead and why?

Paired Resource

New England Colonies’ Use of Slavery

  • This article from National Geographic covers the difference between indentured servitude and enslavement in the northern colonies at this time.
  • Why might Jenny have more sympathy for Ruth and Isabel than others?

PART 1, CHAPTERS 4-7

Reading Check

1. What are people who sympathize with England called during this time period?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why is Elihu Lockton threatened with arrest during the search of their belongings in New York?

2. Why do enslaved people make for good spies, according to Curzon?

PART 1, CHAPTERS 8-10

Reading Check

1. What does Madam Lockton change Isabel’s name to?