Forge
Laurie Halse Anderson
About this book
“One of the best novels they have ever read.” —Kirkus Reviews Curzon navigates the dangers of being a runaway slave in this keenly felt second novel in in the historical middle grade The Seeds of America trilogy from acclaimed author Laurie Halse Anderson. Blistering winds. Bitter cold. And the hope of a new future. The Patriot Army was shaped and strengthened by the desperate circumstances of the Valley Forge winter. This is where Curzon the boy becomes Curzon the young man. In addition to the hardships of soldiering, he lives with the fear of discovery, for he is an escaped slave passing for free. And then there is Isabel, who is also at Valley Forge—against her will. She and Curzon have to sort out the tangled threads of their friendship while figuring out what stands between the two of them and true freedom.
Censorship history
In 2025, "Forge" by Laurie Halse Anderson was banned at the school level in several districts across the United States due to its political content and themes related to race and colonialism. The ban was a result of formal complaints from parents and community members, leading to school board votes that upheld the decision to remove the book from curricula. This action reflects a growing trend of challenges against literature that addresses complex historical issues, particularly in the context of race and identity.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2025 | PoliticalRacial |
