44 pages 1 hour read

Laurie Halse Anderson

Ashes

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2016

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Ashes by Laurie Halse Anderson, Isabel Gardener and Curzon Smith, two black teenagers who escaped slavery during the American Revolution, search for Isabel's sister Ruth while facing multiple hardships. Once they find Ruth, she initially rejects Isabel, but they eventually reunite and navigate their complex relationships and struggles against the backdrop of the war.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Laurie Halse Anderson's Ashes is widely praised for its historical accuracy, compelling characters, and vivid depiction of the Revolutionary War. However, some critics suggest that the pacing is uneven, with certain sections feeling slower than others. Nonetheless, Anderson's ability to weave an engaging narrative with rich historical detail is highly valued by readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Ashes?

A reader who would enjoy Ashes by Laurie Halse Anderson is likely a young adult or historical fiction enthusiast, captivated by strong, character-driven narratives set during pivotal moments in history. Fans of Ann Rinaldi’s Numbering All the Bones or Lois Lowry’s Number the Stars will find Ashes equally compelling.

RecommendedReading Age

10-14years

Lexile Level

820L

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Children's Literature

Realistic Fiction

Period

Colonial America

American Revolution

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Memory

Topics

Military / War

History: World