Ashes – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Ashes

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2017

84%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

The powerful finale to Anderson's Revolutionary War trilogy follows two enslaved teens racing toward freedom and family reunion.

Ashes

book

2017

84%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

The powerful finale to Anderson's Revolutionary War trilogy follows two enslaved teens racing toward freedom and family reunion.

4.8

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Screenwise Verdict

This is historical fiction done right. Anderson doesn't sanitize the Revolutionary War or the experience of enslaved people, but she also doesn't traumatize young readers with gratuitous violence. The result is a trilogy finale that teaches empathy, history, and resilience.

The Seeds of America trilogy belongs on middle school reading lists alongside Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry and Number the Stars—books that trust kids to grapple with difficult history. Isabel and Curzon's journey is gripping, their relationship is beautifully rendered, and the historical detail is impeccable.

This isn't light reading, but it's the kind of book that stays with you. If your kid loved the first two books, they need to finish the journey. If they haven't started yet, begin with Chains—this trilogy is worth the investment.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-14, particularly strong readers who can handle emotionally complex historical fiction. The subject matter (slavery, war, family separation) requires maturity, but Anderson's writing makes these difficult topics accessible to middle grade readers ready for real history.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Final installment of a powerful trilogy that centers on resilience, family bonds, and the pursuit of freedom. Isabel and Curzon's relationship models loyalty and determination. The Revolutionary War setting involves violence (military action, injuries, war horrors) but Common Sense Media notes it's not gory or gratuitous. Emotionally intense but age-appropriate for middle grade readers who can handle historical hardship.

Imaginative

Anderson brings the Revolutionary War to life through the eyes of enslaved teens navigating a brutal landscape. The historical setting invites readers to imagine life during this period, though the plot is more character-driven survival narrative than open-ended creative exploration. Strong world-building and period detail, but structured as a conclusion to an established trilogy rather than breaking new narrative ground.

Safe

War violence is present but handled appropriately for middle grade—blood, injuries, and battle horrors are mentioned without graphic detail. The subject matter (slavery, war, pursuit by bounty hunters) is heavy and emotionally challenging, but there are no surprise graphic elements or inappropriate content. Readers going into book three of a historical fiction trilogy about the Revolution know what they're getting. No sexual content, minimal language concerns.

Enriching

Exceptional historical education about slavery during the Revolutionary War, a perspective often missing from standard curricula. Builds empathy through Isabel and Curzon's journey while teaching about the complexities of freedom, loyalty, and survival. Anderson is a two-time National Book Award finalist and Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award winner—her ability to tackle difficult subjects with nuance is well-established. The 4.8 Amazon rating suggests readers find it meaningful and impactful.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Laurie Halse Anderson is a master at historical fiction—two-time National Book Award finalist who won the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award
Teaches the Revolutionary War from a perspective most textbooks skip: enslaved people fighting for their own freedom while the country fights for its
Isabel and Curzon's relationship is built on loyalty, determination, and mutual respect—they're flawed, real characters navigating impossible choices
The 4.8 Amazon rating and bestseller status suggest this trilogy resonates deeply with readers
Satisfying conclusion to a trilogy that doesn't shy away from the complexities and contradictions of American history

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What to Watch For

This is book three—start with Chains and Forge or you'll be lost on character relationships and plot
War violence and the realities of slavery are present throughout; not graphic but emotionally heavy
The pacing involves pursuit, danger, and setbacks—some readers may find the tension stressful
Best for kids who can handle historical injustice and moral complexity without needing tidy resolutions

Conversation Starters

"Isabel and Curzon are fighting for freedom while the Patriots are also fighting for freedom—what's different about their situations?"
"Why do you think some enslaved people sided with the British during the Revolutionary War?"
"What would you have done in Isabel's position—keep searching for Ruth or find safety first?"
"How does this story change what you learned about the American Revolution in school?"

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