44 pages • 1 hour read
Ashes
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Book Brief
320
Novel • Fiction
Eastern United States • 1770s
2016
Middle grade
10-14 years
820L
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.
Emotional
Bittersweet
Adventurous
Inspirational
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
7,939 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
7,939 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
320
Novel • Fiction
Eastern United States • 1770s
2016
Middle grade
10-14 years
820L
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