Written by Laurie Halse Anderson
Published by Simon & Schuster, 2010
ISBN 9781416961444

In this sequel to Anderson’s award winning historical novel, Chains, Isabel and Curzon have escaped slavery and prison only to separate again when they can’t agree on where to go next.  She wants to walk to Charleston to save her baby sister, Ruth.  Curzon believes that the sister is already dead.
 
The story follows Curzon, alone, as he stumbles into the Battle of Saratoga and enlists as a soldier.  This decision then takes him to Valley Forge where he suffers the lack of food, clothing, and shelter along with thousands of other soldiers.  Curzon is as determined to fight for the freedom of his country from the British as he is to fight for his own freedom.  Under such extreme circumstances the camaraderie that develops between the “band of brothers” is deep—and Curzon will need it with what lies ahead.
  
The story takes surprising and imaginative twists and turns.  In a nasty turn of events, Curzon comes face to face with his past and must once again fight for his freedom.  He and Isabel have a prickly reunion and readers will ache for what she endures and will admire her fierceness.  The combative yet endearing relationship between Isabel and Curzon is genuine and satisfying.
 
The details in Forge are amazing, and Anderson’s characters come to life on the page.  She makes historical fiction accessible and appealing for young readers.

—Kari Baumbach, children’s literature enthusiast