Chains

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. The history of enslavement during the time of the American Revolutionary War is typically not as well-known as its history closer to and during the Civil War. Speculate 6-8 suppositions (or list known facts) about enslavement during the American Revolution. In what regions of the young nation was enslavement practiced? What roles did enslaved people fulfill?

Teaching Suggestion: The knowledge base of many students on this topic may regard the Civil War or the American South primarily. This novel takes place in the northern American colonies, which also practiced enslavement. This question will serve as a springboard toward identifying common misinformation among students and avoiding confusion; it offers the opportunity to clarify the time setting and main characters’ positions in society and politics.

• This resource page from The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation discusses how enslavement played a role in the American Revolution.
• This article from the New York Public Library highlights the enslavement trades that took place within New York City, one of the settings of this novel. 

2. What does it mean to be a spy? What are the risks and dangers of this particular role in war?

Teaching Suggestion: Protagonist Isabel, a young enslaved girl, is asked to spy on her new enslavers, who are suspected Loyalists. While many students may have a glamorous vision of what it means to be a spy, this job is often life-threatening. Students might first name “popular” historical spies as examples (such as Benedict Arnold and Harriet Tubman), then compare them to the resources below.

• This 5-minute video discusses the role of spies in general during the American Revolution.
• This article covers the life of James Lafayette, a spy and enslaved person during the Revolutionary War.

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the text.

What role does family play in your decision-making? Do you consider how your actions might help (or hurt) your siblings, relatives, or future generations when making decisions?

Teaching Suggestion: Isabel considers both her ancestral heritage and her sister when making decisions throughout the story. This question is designed to help students begin to consider the theme of Family as a Source of Strength and Identity. Students who do not have siblings or those who would prefer a less personal response might discuss a fictional character who does or does not make decisions with consideration to family members.