Ona Judge Outwits the Washingtons: An Enslaved Woman Fights for Freedom
Enslaved by George and Martha Washington from childhood, Ona Judge fed chickens and fetched water from a treacherous well before she began working inside the house when she was ten. She was taken by the Washingtons when they moved to New York City and, later, Philadelphia, where she saw free Blacks and recognized that the Washingtons would never release her from their ownership. Ona made the decision to run for freedom when she learned she was to be given as a wedding gift to a family member. Her liberty was threatened several times by those who recognized her and wanted to return her to the Washingtons, but Ona was able to avoid each trap with intelligence and courage. This substantial picture book narrative grounds readers in Ona’s life and perspective, clearly stating the inhumane realities of slavery demonstrated by her personal story. ©2020 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Simone Agoussoye
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 6-10
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
18th Century
Activism and Resistance
African Americans
Biography
History (Nonfiction)
Presidents
Slavery
U.S. History
Diversity subject:
Black/African
Publisher:
Capstone Edition
Publish Year: 2019
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9781543512809
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 306 Hooks