Ona Judge was an African American woman born into slavery in 1773 and enslaved to the Washington family, first at the family's plantation at Mount Vernon--later, after George Washington became president, at the President's House in Philadelphia, then the nation's capital city. This story tells of her journey to freedom. She was a skilled and trustworthy slave but risked everything she knew to flee to freedom. Inspired by free black women she saw in the market selling pepperpot stew, she believed freedom was possible for her, too. When she was living in the President's Mansion in Philadelphia, she enlisted the help of Richard Allen, a free black man who was a minister, a chimney sweep, and free. With the help of his trusted circle, she escaped to New Hampshire, where she started a new life. The Washington's continued to search for her, creating a years-long hunt. Her persistence and wit allowed her to stay hidden and ultimately free, despite the harrowing dangers she often faced. Told in prose, this book offers a look at the contradiction of what the founding fathers meant by freedom during the inception of the United States.--Dr. Laura Kieselbach "The Children's Book Review"
Hooks is unflinching in her depiction of slavery, and weaves Ona's personal story into the larger national story of enslaved blacks in America. . . .Hooks contrasts the radical difference between the newly experienced freedom of white Americans beginning their democratic experiment, and the conditions of enslaved blacks, who were considered property, not citizens. . . .The story is an accessible corrective to whitewashed versions of US history. Simone Agoussoye's illustrations are warm and evocative. Her thoughtful use of color adds emotional depth to the picture book. This beautiful book is a must-have for personal and school libraries. It can be used during lessons on history, biography, or civics.-- "Raise Them Righteous"
The attention-grabbing text and unique illustrations will make this a welcome addition for all history collections.-- "School Library Journal"