Huzzah! Huzzah!

Ashes by Laurie Halse Anderson

​​There is so much to say about this book. The first thing that comes to mind is that the series has a strong finish. Clearly, Ashes is not an afterthought. Beginning with the striking cover which continues the bold silhouettes from the previous books in the trilogy, this case sets itself apart with distinctive colors and images. The book design, text font, and inclusion of colloquial language contribute to the story's authenticity without becoming overbearing or trite. No mean feat.
Each chapter begins with extract from a  journal entry or other historical document, setting the stage and framing each chapter, seamlessly placing fictional characters squarely in events leading up to and concluding with the 1781 Siege of Yorktown.
​As with the first two volumes, Anderson's storytelling skills are consistently evident. This is Isabel’s story. Beginning with the rattlesnake episode, short chapters reveal the strength of her resilience and resolve. 

​At its heart this is a story of love lost and love found. Isabel has long-searched for and finally located her sister Ruth. The loss has been more than a physical separation. The bond between the two siblings was seriously breached and requires considerable effort on the part of Isabel to understand her sister's pain and patiently work to regain her love and trust. It is a brilliant study in the power of love to heal deep wounds within a family.
The book concludes with a fitting resolution to a defining battle in the conflict of American colonies seeking independence from Great Britain.  Of equal importance is Isabel‘s struggle to be a free and independent woman in a society that labels her as property. "Freedom would not be handed to us as a gift. Freedom had to be fought for and taken."
This is historical fiction at its finest. A worthy conclusion to a stellar series.

Companion books

Chains
by Laurie Halse Anderson
National Book Award finalist and Scott O'Dell Historical Fiction Award
​Meet Isabel, a young slave living with her sister in New York City.

Forge
by Laurie Halse Anderson
In this continuation of the story, Curzon and Isabel find themselves at Valley Forge.

Gingerbread for Liberty!
​How a German Baker Helped Win the American Revolution
by Mara Rockliff  illustrated by ​Vincent X. Kirsch
Charming picture book about the Baker General of gingerbread, Ruth's favorite treat.