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Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge

George and Martha Washington's Courageous Slave Who Dared to Run Away

Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available
"A brilliant work of US history." —School Library Journal (starred review)
"Gripping." —BCCB (starred review)
"Accessible...Necessary." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
A School Library Journal Best Nonfiction Book of 2019!

A National Book Award Finalist for Nonfiction, Never Caught is the eye-opening narrative of Ona Judge, George and Martha Washington's runaway slave, who risked everything for a better life—now available as a young reader's edition!
In this incredible narrative, Erica Armstrong Dunbar reveals a fascinating and heartbreaking behind-the-scenes look at the Washingtons when they were the First Family—and an in-depth look at their slave, Ona Judge, who dared to escape from one of the nation's Founding Fathers.

Born into a life of slavery, Ona Judge eventually grew up to be George and Martha Washington's "favored" dower slave. When she was told that she was going to be given as a wedding gift to Martha Washington's granddaughter, Ona made the bold and brave decision to flee to the north, where she would be a fugitive.

From her childhood, to her time with the Washingtons and living in the slave quarters, to her escape to New Hampshire, Erica Armstrong Dunbar, along with Kathleen Van Cleve, shares an intimate glimpse into the life of a little-known, but powerful figure in history, and her brave journey as she fled the most powerful couple in the country.
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  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Narrator Robin Eller brings a straightforward tone to this Young Reader's biography of Ona Judge; the adult version was a finalist for the National Book Award. Ona is Martha Washington's enslaved maid. In that role she travels with the Washingtons to Philadelphia, the seat of the U.S. government, prior to her escape to New Hampshire and subsequent life as a free woman. Eller tells the story (and what a story it is) with steady pacing and clarity to which she adds a modicum of emphasis when the author is underscoring the significance of various passages--for example, the observations that Ona always walks behind Martha Washington, is a person who is present but absent, and tends to Martha's needs rather than her own. Another part that Eller ensures is noted is George Washington's plan to keep the couple's slaves from gaining freedom during the Philadelphia years. Listeners have much to consider. A.R. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

Languages

  • English

Levels

  • Lexile® Measure:1090
  • Text Difficulty:7-9

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