Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge

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

By: Erica Armstrong Dunbar, Kathleen Van Cleve

Narrated by: Robin Eller

Three starred reviews!

The National Book Award Finalist for Nonfiction by New York Times bestselling biographer Erica Armstrong Dunbar is now available as a young readers edition—the “gripping” (BCCB, starred review) narrative of Ona Judge, George and Martha Washington’s runaway enslaved woman, who risked everything for a better life.

In this incredible narrative, Erica Armstrong Dunbar reveals a fascinating and heartbreaking behind-the-scenes story of the Washingtons when they were the First Family—and an in-depth look at their enslaved person, 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 enslaved woman. 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 considered a fugitive but have the ability to live freely.

From her childhood to her time as an enslaved person with the Washingtons to her escape to New Hampshire and her life afterwards, Ona Judge’s little-known but powerful history, culminating in her journey to freedom, is intimately shared by Erica Armstrong Dunbar and Kathleen Van Cleve.

The rich history

The novel had rich history, but yet painful history, but poignant points it demonstrated the tenacity of freedom

Very Educational

Lots of unknown information about slavery was provided as well as vast political information discussed.

Amazing book- EVERYONE should read this!

This should be required reading in all schools. This is a very important book for all children to experience. My boys (13 and 11) both enjoyed listening.

Important story

I am adding this book to my middle school classroom library immediately because everyone should know the story of Ona Judge. I wish her story had been included in my American history classes growing up. The Audible version is well done.

Meh

This book was a disappointment. It read like a textbook, living books are so much better for children (really everyone). I think the author could have done more with the story, while remaining accurate by putting it in a more narrative form, or going back and forth between narrative and informational texts. It just seemed like she was constantly paraphrasing every thing with “we don’t know what Ona felt... wore... thought...” My kids lost interest very soon. A book like Amos Fortune or Phyllis Wheatley: In Her Own Words pulled off being historically accurate, yet interesting far better.