The Escape of Oney Judge

Book Title: The Escape of Oney Judge: Martha Washington’s Slave Finds Freedom

Author & Illustrator: Emily Arnold McCully

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Copyright Date: 2007

Genre: Picturebook – Historical Fiction

Brief Annotation: Oney is a slave. Her mother is a slave. It’s what she knows. At 10-years-old, she is grateful when Ms. Washington gives her the opportunity to learn to sew. When George Washington is elected President, she makes the move with the family as Ms. Washington’s maid. But when the capitol is moved to Philadelphia, Oney’s world begins to change. She discovers that not all black people are slaves – that some are “free.” Oney begins to notice how controlling Ms. Washington is of her time and talents. When Oney learns that upon Ms. Washington’s death she will not be freed, but will be given to an unlikable and unpredictable family member, Oney must make a decision. A decision that must be made quickly, will have unknown consequences, and is sure to change her life forever.

Your Rating (1-5) and why: 4 – This is an interesting way for children to learn about an important piece of history through the life and eyes of a child. The story does progress fairly quickly and skips over some details, which makes sense for this audience – those skips provide opportunities for discussion – investigation/research into what might have happened (in the story transitions) and predictions about what may have happened to Oney after the story ends. The illustrations aren’t super exciting, but are sufficient in helping tell the story.

Readers who will like this book: Boys may enjoy this book, but because the main character is a young girl, young girls will be most drawn to this story. Also, children who are interested in history and learning about slavery and/or children who have experienced discrimination will enjoy this book.

Question to ask about this book before a read aloud: What is slavery? The title of this book is The Escape of Oney Judge: Martha Washington’s Slave Finds Freedom – how do you think Oney escapes? What does it mean to “find freedom”?

Interest Level (age): 8-11