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A review by spacerkip
Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge: George and Martha Washington's Courageous Slave Who Dared to Run Away; Young Readers Edition by Kathleen Van Cleve, Erica Armstrong Dunbar
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
This is honestly the first book I've ever read that doesn't compartmentalize George Washington, founding father and first president of the United States, and George Washington, slave owner. Though aimed at children and middle-grade readers, the writing never backs down from the complicated and horrific nature of slavery and how it shaped early American history. It mentions both well-known white lawmakers and members of the early government as well as prominent Black artists, writers, and abolitionists from the time. Many of the latter I had never heard of before, and am very excited to use this book as a jumping-off point for further reading. Definitely a must-have for the classroom.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Slavery, Racism, Misogyny, and Death of parent
Minor: Child death, Grief, Rape, and Sexual assault