Ashes (Seeds of America Book 3)

Ashes (Seeds of America Book 3) by Laurie Halse Anderson

The historical fiction tale of the American Revolution continues with the battle of Yorktown. The former slaves all get together and set out from the south back to Rhode Island. It was not an easy task. The protagonist's sister, Ruth does not want to go with her. She does not admit to having a sister anymore. She feels she is in a good area and likes the people. We later learn that she had thought her sister pushed her away. Ruth also has a friend that is fighting on the British side.

They end up in Yorktown and participate in the end of the Revolutionary War first. The girls try to find employment, but can't do that. Later they find out that the protagonist's friend had said that she were his wife. Things are a bit awkward, but that does get them a chance to have a job.

The former slaves do have some challenging loyalty concerns. The rebels are fighting for freedom. Is this freedom for blacks too? Which side will help them the most? Rhode Island has promised freedom for those that enlist. However, in the south, people can make free papers disappear, resulting in them being enslaved again. The book ends on a happy note of freedom, but will it last? The book has historical aspects to it, but sometimes feels more "forrest gump" in that they happen to stumble in to key events.

Forge: The Seeds of America Trilogy, Book 2

Forge: The Seeds of America Trilogy, Book 2 by Laurie Halse Anderson

A slave save a soldier and tries to enlist in the revolutionary army. His master had promised him freedom for enlisting, so he proclaims himself a free enlistee, though he does not have papers. While some soldiers respect him, he experiences racism as well as other cruelty at the hands of others. His former master later appears and takes him back. There is mixed reaction to the board looking at his case. He meets an old friend and they hatch a plan to try to escape. The book brings up the conflict of a war that aims for equality for all in a society that still condones slavery.

Chains: The Seeds of America Trilogy, Book 1

Chains: The Seeds of America Trilogy, Book 1 by Laurie Halse Anderson

A slave girl and her little sister live in New England during the revolutionary war era. They have lost their parents. Their master has promised to grant them their freedom when she dies. However, after her death, the man who inherits her estate proceeds to sell them. They almost are bought by a former indentured servant friend. However, a loyalist New York family ends up buying them. The life is not great. However, she is able to "spy" on the family and inform on them to the rebels. The revolution takes some turns with rebels and loyalists gaining ground. She tries to do whatever she can to gain her freedom. She and her sister get separated. The book ends with her rowing to New Jersey for freedom. This is an interesting exploration of the slavery and the American Revolution.