“A brilliant work of US history.” --School Library Journal (starred review)
“Gripping.” --BCCB (starred review) “Accessible…Necessary.” --Kirkus Reviews (starred review) 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. |
Activity 1:
"If we want to build a better present and future, we must recognize and understand the problems of the past." Do you agree with this statement by the author, Erica Armstrong Dunbar? Some people believe that we should only look forward and not dwell on the past. Where do you stand? Draw a picture or write a statement of your stand. If you are writing, it needs to be at least half a page long.
Activity 2:
Make an inference - Ben Franklin, for one, and the Quakers for another, held very different views about owning slaves than did Martha Washington. Why do you think Mrs. Washington would not want to speak with Franklin or the Quakers? How do you think this effected George? Make a list of 5 different reasons why you think Martha Washington didn't want to speak with those against slavery.
Activity 3:
From then to now: Converting Money
Every dollar in Ona Judge's day is worth $24.87 today. Do the math! If grocery items cost this amount today, what would they have cost if Ona were buying them in the late 1700's? Download this sheet and figure out what each item would have cost during Ona Judge's day.
"If we want to build a better present and future, we must recognize and understand the problems of the past." Do you agree with this statement by the author, Erica Armstrong Dunbar? Some people believe that we should only look forward and not dwell on the past. Where do you stand? Draw a picture or write a statement of your stand. If you are writing, it needs to be at least half a page long.
Activity 2:
Make an inference - Ben Franklin, for one, and the Quakers for another, held very different views about owning slaves than did Martha Washington. Why do you think Mrs. Washington would not want to speak with Franklin or the Quakers? How do you think this effected George? Make a list of 5 different reasons why you think Martha Washington didn't want to speak with those against slavery.
Activity 3:
From then to now: Converting Money
Every dollar in Ona Judge's day is worth $24.87 today. Do the math! If grocery items cost this amount today, what would they have cost if Ona were buying them in the late 1700's? Download this sheet and figure out what each item would have cost during Ona Judge's day.