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This was another donation to my Little Free Library Shed.

It was actually released in 2008 as part of a special Black History Month program. It was a National Book Award finalist, and it won the Scott O’Dell award for Historical Fiction.

I am now bringing my review to Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ.

This story vividly portrays slave life in colonial New York. The author includes rich detail not found in the average history textbook.

Issues such as having to suppress feelings, being ill-treated, never owning shoes that don’t pinch, and what it feels like to be branded. Yes, you heard me correctly…branding humans.

The story is about teenaged Isabel and her 5-year-old sister Ruth who were under the impression that they would be freed upon the death of their owner. But recent Revolutionary upheavals in distant Boston prevent contact with the lawyer who drew up the will, and the girls are sold to a Loyalist couple, who take them to New York. Isabel is made a half pet, half page for the wife, Mrs. Lockton.

While doing her duties, Isabel overhears Lockton’s friends plotting to kill George Washington. She is hoping that if she passes the information on to the Rebels, they may be grateful enough to assist in her freedom. Her information helps to foil the plot, but both sides view slaves as legal property. In her fight to get away, she is branded in the face. Worse yet, Ruth has been sold away from her.

How can you not feel something when you read the following:

“Melancholy held me hostage, and the bees built a hive of sadness in my soul.�

What will become of Isabel?

Will she find justice?

Will she find her freedom?

Will she be reunited with Ruth?

Even though this is fiction, it is an absorbing read.

The book was written for children/young adults, but any age group can appreciate it. It would make a good book group selection.

An appendix at the end of the book gives insights into whether Isabel is based on a true person.

And, apparently there is a sequel to Isabel’s story, called Forge which came out in 2010.