Freedom in Congo Square by Carole Boston Weatherford

Black History Month

Freedom in Congo Square

Carole Boston Weatherford, Author

R. Gregory Christie, Illustrator

Little Bee Books, Fiction, 2016

Coretta Scott King Honorees

Suitable for Ages: 4-8

Themes: Slavery, Congo Square, New Orleans, Day of freedom, Celebration, Dance, Music, Culture

Opening: “Mondays, there were hogs to slop, mules to train, and logs to chop. / Salvery was no ways fair. Six more days to Cong Square.”

Book Synopsis:

As slaves in New Orleans, Louisiana, relentlessly toiled in an unjust system, they all counted down the days until Sunday, when at least for half a day they were briefly able to congregate in Congo Square. Here they were free to set up an open market, sing, dance and play music. They were free to forget their cares, their struggles, and their oppression. This poetic, little-known story expresses a humans capacity to find hope and joy in different circumstances and demonstrates how Congo Square was indeed freedom’s heart.

Why I like this book:

Carole Boston Weatherford’s rhyming celebratory text is a chant as readers count down each day until Congo Square day arrives. Excitement builds as slaves work the fields and inside homes until Sunday, their one free day to gather with family and friends and celebrate their heritage and speak their languages. Paired with R. Gregory Christie’s breathtaking illustrations, the book is a ballet of movement and rhythm.

This book is beautiful, lyrically and visually. Both young and old alike will enjoy reading it together. It is also a wonderful introduction to the topic of slavery for young children.

There is an infomative Foreword at the beginning of the book by Freddi Williams Evans, a historian and Congo Square expert. Make sure you check out the history of Congo Park, now located within Louis Armstrong Park in New Orelans. The Louisiana African slaves in the mid-1800s were captured in West and Central West Africa, separated from their families, chained aboard slave ships and brought to America to be sold as property. New Orleans set aside Sunday afternoons so that Africans could come together to celebrate with friends and family.

Resources: There is an Author’s Note at the end of the book.

Carole Boston Weatherford is an award-winning poet and author who wrote her first poem in the first grade and hasn’t stopped since. She has received a Caldecott Honor for Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom and a Coretta Scott King Award Honor for Becoming Billie Holiday, as well as the NAACP’s Image Award. She is currently a professor and director of professional writing at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina. You can find more about Carole at her website.

Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.

*Reviewed from a library copy.

Daddy Played the Blues by Michael Garland

Daddy Played the Blues

Michael Garland, Author and Illustrator

Tilbury House Publishers, Fiction, Sep. 8, 2017

Suitable for Ages: 8-12

Themes: Music, The Blues, Family Relationships, The Great Migration, Jim Crow South

Opening: I was six years old in 1936 the day we left the farm in Mississippi.

Book Jacket Synopsis: Cassie was six years old when her family left the farm, the boll weevils, the floods, and the landlord. They could no longer scratch our a living there anymore. They journeyed north in search of a better life.

Cassie’s family joined the Great Migration from the Deep South to Chicago, where there was work to be had in the stockyards. Across the kids’ laps in the back seat of their old jalopy lay Daddy’s six-string guitar. Daddy worked hard to put food on the table, but what he loved doing most was playing the blues.

Daddy Played the Blues is a tribute to the long, ongoing African-American struggle for social and economic justice and a homage to the rich, yearning strain of American music that was born in the cotton fields and bayous of the South and transformed popular music around the world.

Why I like this book:

Garland’s story evokes the heartache for Cassie and her family who were tenant farmers in the sharecropper system during the segregated Jim Crow South. The raw pain of their hard lives is heard in the songs her father and other family members sing. The music becomes an important part of Cassie and her brother’s memories of their trip and new lives in Chicago. Garland’s story is fictional, but historically correct.

Garland’s text is as fluid as the songs Cassie’s Daddy and Uncle Vernon play on the porch steps each night after a day working in the stockyards. If they weren’t playing, they were talking about the WC Handy and Blind Lemon Jefferson or Bessie Smith. Garland highlights the lyrics from four blues songs like “The Little Red Rooster.”

Dogs begin to bark now

And the hounds begin to howl,

Dogs begin to bark now

And the hounds begin to howl,

Watch out stray cat,

The little red rooster’s on the prowl.

Garland’s illustrations are exquisite and transport readers to this bygone era. They compliment the mood of Garland’s compassionate storytelling. He pioneered a beautiful medium of digital woodcut technique that really makes this a stand-out picture book about how the blues influenced music around the globe.

Resources: Garland shares how he first heard and fell in love with blues music, becoming a lifelong fan. He has included Song Credits of some of the great artists. An eight-page Author’s Note gives context to the story and provides information about blues history and its influence on generations of popular musicians. There is also a Map of the Great Migration from 1910-1970, and a double-page spread of the eleven leading blues artists with photos and blurbs about their contribution to the musical history. This is great resource information for older students.

Michael Garland is the illustrator of 75 children’s picture books, half of which he also wrote. Miss Smith and the Haunted Library is a New York Times bestseller. His other recent books include Lost Dog, Tugboat, Car Goes Far, Fish Had a Wish, Where’s My Homework?, and Grandpa’s Tractor. Michael has been in love with blues music since first hearing it decades ago, and Daddy Played the Blues is his reverent salute to Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, John Lee Hooker, Lightning Hopkins, B.B. Kind and the other bluest greats. Stop by his website.

Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.

Ashes: The Seeds of America Trilogy

Laurie Halse Anderson’s Seeds of America Trilogy is one of my favorite historical fiction trilogies for tweens, teens and adults. Today, I am reviewing the final book in the trilogy, Ashes, but will include brief synopsis of the first two books, Chains and Forge, because it gives the reader a perspective of the revolutionary war that is relatively unknown and not talked about — the important role of black soldiers in the creation of our nation and their hopes and dreams. Although, you could read Ashes and still understand the story, you would miss the rich alternating voices of the characters Isabel and Curzon and their journey that began in 1776 with Chains and ends in 1781 with Ashes. I strongly suggest you read the three books in order.

Ashes: The Seeds of America Trilogy, Book #3

Laurie Halse Anderson, Author

Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Historical Fiction, Oct. 4, 2016

Suitable for Ages: 10-14

Themes: American Revolution, Black Soldiers, Slavery, Freedom,

Book Synopsis: “Freedom for one, freedom for all? That’s the question that burns in Isabel’s mind as she and Curzon forge on through chaos and fear toward the dream that’s kept them alive for so many years: freedom. But her dream of living not as a “runaway” but as a free person with land and a family of her own seems impossibly far away. That dream hinges on one thing: finding her little sister, Ruth.

It’s been three years since Ruth was stolen from her. Is she even alive? And if Isabel can find her, how will they make it safely through the war between the Patriots and the British that rages on as dangerously as ever in 1781, while bounty hunters try to kidnap them at every turn! In the American Revolution, one must pick a side in order to survive. But how can you care about a nation’s freedom when the very same nation has kept you in chains?

Why I like this book:

Laurie Halse Anderson is a skillful literary author. Her language and dialogue is exquisite. Her novel is bold and breathtaking. Her settings are unimaginably descriptive and believable. It is easy to get lost in the realistic plot where you can smell the sweat of laboring men digging trenches, hear the nearby exploding cannon balls and feel the bone-chilling cold of nights in the camps. The pacing keeps readers fully engaged.

Thoroughly researched, this engaging novel offers readers a fresh perspective on the role the black community played during the war, including women and children. Each chapter is introduced by a quote from significant historical figures during the war that helps provide insight into the attitudes of the war: Gen. George Washington, James Madison, King George III, Abigail Adams to her husband John Adams, Thomas Paine and many other regiment leaders, judges and slaves. It is a very effective tool that gives readers a greater sense of the overall mood of that period of history.

Although the story is about the war effort where Isabel, Curzon and Ruth are firmly planted in the middle, there is a stronger theme running through this final book for the threesome — freedom from slavery and not just from England. The memorable characters are all dealing with secrets and inner demons that drive their story forward and require sacrifice, courage, trust, resilience and an unwavering commitment to each other.

Chains, Book #1, 2008

National Book Award Finalist

Synopsis from the author’s website: If an entire nation could seek its freedom, why not a girl? As the Revolutionary War begins, thirteen-year-old Isabel wages her own fight…for freedom. Promised freedom upon the death of their owner, she and her sister, Ruth, in a cruel twist of fate become the property of a malicious New York City couple, the Locktons, who have no sympathy for the American Revolution and even less for Ruth and Isabel. When Isabel meets Curzon, a slave with ties to the Patriots, he encourages her to spy on her owners, who know details of British plans for invasion. She is reluctant at first, but when the unthinkable happens to Ruth, Isabel realizes her loyalty is available to the bidder who can provide her with freedom. Check out Sue Kooky’s review today of CHAINS at her website Kitty cat at the Library.

Forge, Book #2, 2010

Synopsis from the author’s website: Blistering winds. Bitter cold. And the hope of a new future. In this compelling sequel to Chains, a National Book Award Finalist and winner of the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction, acclaimed author Laurie Halse Anderson shifts perspective from Isabel to Curzon and brings to the page the tale of what it takes for runaway slaves to forge their own paths in a world of obstacles—and in the midst of the American Revolution.

The Patriot Army was shaped and strengthened by the desperate circumstances of the Valley Forge winter. This is where Curzon the boy becomes Curzon the young man. In addition to the hardships of soldiering, he lives with the fear of discovery, for he is an escaped slave passing for free. And then there is Isabel, who is also at Valley Forge—against her will. She and Curzon have to sort out the tangled threads of their friendship while figuring out what stands between the two of them and true freedom.

Laurie Halse Anderson is descended from many soldiers who fought in the American Revolution. Known for tackling tough subjects with humor and sensitivity, her work has earned numerous ALA and state awards. Two of her books, Speak and Chains, were National Book Award finalists. You can follow her on Twitter @Halse Anderson, or visit her at her website. Anderson has prepared teacher guides and other activities for teachers.

Check other Middle Grade review links on author Shannon Messenger’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday post.

Loving Vs. Virginia by Patricia Hruby Powell

Loving Vs. Virginia: A Documentary Novel of the Landmark Civil Rights Case

Patricia Hruby Powell, Author

Shadra Strickland, Artist

Chronicle Books, Historical Fiction, Jan. 31, 2017

Suitable for Ages: 8-12

Themes: Interracial Marriage, Race Relations, Prejudice, African-Americans, Civil Rights, Social Justice, Virginia, Supreme Court

Synopsis: This is the story about Mildred Jeters, an African-American girl, and Richard Loving, a Caucasian boy, who live near one another, are childhood friends, and fall in love. Mildred becomes pregnant in 1957 and delivers their first son. and a second son in 1958. They want to get married, but in Virginia, interracial marriages are against the law. They decide they won’t allow Sheriff Brooks and the government to tell them who they can marry. They travel to Washington D.C. and are married by a preacher. When they return home to Caroline County, Virginia, they have to be careful. They are arrested and put in jail. They are released as long as Mildred lives with her parents and Richard lives with his family. Even though they hire an attorney and go to court, they are not allowed to be seen together. They move to Washington D.C. to live with family. Richard continues to work as a brick layer in Caroline County and drives the 90 miles back Washington D.C. to spend the weekends with his wife and children. After living in Washington D.C. for five years, Mildred hates the noise and crowded city and longs to raise her children in rural Virginia. After being arrested sneaking home, they contact the American Civil Liberties Union and meet an attorney, Mr. Cohen. He is eager to help the Loving’s face each stage of the legal system and takes their discrimination case to the highest court, the U.S. Supreme Court.

What I like about this book:

Patricia Powell chose to write the narrative of this powerful story in free verse, alternating the voices of Mildred and Richard. It effectively achieves a balance between the Loving’s beautiful love story and their determination to fight the discrimination to live as husband and wife and win. The last thing the wanted was publicity. They wanted to raise their growing family at home in Virginia, where their children could run barefoot through the grass, see the stars at night and be near grandparents.

The author and artist craftily weave factual information, photographs and illustrations around the lyrical narrative, which lends itself to “visual journalism,” says Strickland. There are page inserts about court rulings on school segregation; the Virginia state, federal and supreme courts refusal of interracial marriages; and the U.S. Supreme Court final ruling in 1967 to uphold the 14th Amendment. There are news clippings from former Alabama Gov. George Wallace and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a 1958 map showing the 24 states that banned interracial marriage. There are photographs showing the contrasts between white schools and black schools, protest marches for and against integration and equality.

I’m in awe of the massive amount of research that went into this masterful book. Strickland’s artwork of Richard and Mildred and their family throughout their story is a light and moving tribute to their deeply moving journey that lasted about 10 years. She used photographs from LIFE magazine to create her lively and brush and pen illustrations, which compliment the conversational text between Richard and Mildred.

Middle Grade students will find this oversized book a page-turner. Because it is in verse, it is a quick read. It belongs in every school library. It is a beautiful love story and a book full of resources with historical timelines and more information about the Loving family.

June 12 will be the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling by Chief Justice Warren on Loving Vs. Virginia.

Check other Middle Grade review links on author Shannon Messenger’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday post.

Nelson Mandela – Black History Month

Nelson Mandela

Kadir Nelson, Author and Illustrator

Katherine Tegen Books, Biography, Jan. 2, 2013

Suitable for Ages: 4-8

Themes: Courage, Determination, Equality, Civil Rights, Racism, Apartheid

Opening: Rolihlahla played barefooted on the grassy hills of Qunu. He fought boys with sticks and shot birds with slingshots. The smartest Madiba child of thirteen, he was the only one chosen for school. His new teacher would not say his Xhosa name. She called him Nelson instead.”

Synopsis: Nelson was nine years old when his father passed. His mother sent him to live with a powerful tribal chief, where he could continue his studies. He learned stories from the elders about old Africa, where people lived peacefully, the land was rich and fertile and people raised crops. The European settlers arrived and everything changed. Nelson attended school in Johannesburg where he became a lawyer who defended the poor. The government began to divide the people into three groups — African, Indian and European. The divisions were deep with Europeans in power, and apartheid was born. Nelson wanted to win back South Africa for everyone and organized rallies to speak out and fight apartheid. He became a leader among his people, but an enemy to the South African government. He was arrested and put in prison for over 27 years. South Africa erupted into violence and the world put pressure on the government. When Nelson was released from prison in 1990, he said “We must forget our terrible past and build a better future for South Africa. Let us continue to fight for justice and walk the last mile to freedom.” All South Africans had won their right to vote. And, they elected Nelson Mandela their president.

What I like about this book: The first thing you notice is that there is no title on the book. Kadir Nelson’s larger than life oil painting shows power, integrity, determination and strength. It is mesmerizing. The illustrations throughout the book are exquisite and capture the emotion of this very important time in South Africa’s history. Because Nelson Mandela was a man of few words, the author tells the story very simply and powerfully in verse. Kadir Nelson says: “My work is all about healing and giving people a sense of hope and nobility. I want to show the strength and integrity of the human being and the human spirit.” And, that he does. You can visit Kadir at his website.

Resources: There are pages of historical information at the end of the book, with suggested readings. For teaching resources and activities go to Mandela at 90.

Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.

Morning Star

Morning Star

Judith Paxton, Author

Second Story Press, Fiction, September 2011

Suitable for Ages: Grades 4-6

Themes: Slavery, Underground Railroad, Racism, African-American

Opening/Synopsis: “Flower Felt fingers press down on her mouth, gentle but firm. She struggled awake to see her mother lift them away, touch one against her own lips, eyes wide with silent warning.” Twelve-year-old Flower, her baby brother and her parents live on a southern slave plantation. In the middle of the night they flee for their lives following the Underground Railroad north to Canada. Their only guide is the North Star and very kind people who help them along their journey. Bounty hunters are in hot pursuit of her family. Their journey is threatened by danger, illness, injuries, and hunger.

In a parallel story over 150 years later, we meet eighth-grader Felicia, who has moved from Toronto with her mother and grandmother to a small town in Michigan. Felicia soon discovers she is among the few African-American students in the school. She makes friends with a group of girls who introduce her to horseback riding and a drama class. But, she also has to deal with some racism for the first time in her life. When the teacher assigns the class to research their ancestry, Felicia discovers that her distant family members were slaves who followed the Underground Railroad to Canada. She also learns about a community of free slaves living in her new town of Plainsville, MI. Does she have the courage to share her family history with her class?

What I like about this book: Judith Paxton has written a compelling and memorable story for young people where she interweaves the lives of two very different girls living 150 years apart. Their stories are told in alternating chapters. You will feel the strength and courage of both Flower and Felicia dealing with racism in different ways. Their past and present paths will cross in an unlikely way. Readers will easily identify with both engaging characters. Each chapter is a page turner and the story is full of suspense. This is a satisfying story for younger readers and a great read for Black History Month.

This book has been provided to me free of charge by the publisher in exchange for an honest review of the work.

January’s Sparrow

January’s Sparrow

Patricia Polacco, Author and Illustrator

Philomel Books, Fiction, 2009

Suitable for Ages: 8-12

Themes: African-American, Slavery, Fugitives, Underground Railroad, Freedom

Opening/Synopsis: “Sadie, the youngest Crosswhite, shuddered when she saw the paddy rollers thunder into the slave yard on their horses, draggin’ a runaway on the end of a rope behind them. All the slaves had been ordered to stand at the porch rail that mornin’.” Sadie was horrified when she realized that the men were dragging and beating January, who was like a brother to her. He had carved a sparrow for her days earlier and she knew he was going to run. Adam and Sarah Crosswhite overheard that two of their four children were going to be sold. The fled the Kentucky Plantation with only the clothes on their back and in the middle of the night. They made a harrowing trip across the Ohio River into Indiana and traveled the Underground Railroad north to freedom in Marshall, Michigan. In Marshall, there was a growing number of Negro families who found support and friendship in the white community. Sadie’s father and brothers found jobs, and Sadie attended school. But, the family was always on the look-out for bounty hunters and angry masters searching for runaway slaves. One day a package arrived with Sadie’s treasured sparrow inside. Attached to it was a note that said, “I found you.” What will her family do? Readers will be surprised by the ending.

Why I like this book: Patricia Polacco has taken a true story that she discovered a few miles from her Michigan home and written a compelling story for children about slavery and the underground railroad. In fact the home she lives in was site of underground activity. In writing this story, Polacco used “dialect modified from slave narratives,” which enhanced the unique voice of January. Polacco did a lot of research about the Crosswhite family and the amazing community of Marshall, MI, which adds considerably to the story’s authenticity. Polacco’s vivid and colorful artwork is done with charcoal and watercolor. She captures the fear, terror, pain and the joy in her powerful, detailed and expressive illustrations. Visit Patricia Polacco on her website. You can see a photo of her home built in the 1800s, and learn some interesting facts about famous visitors.

Resources: Patricia Polacco has a Guide for Educators with Curriculum Connections, Discussion Questions and Classroom Activities, including a Reading Response Journal. You will need to scroll down the PDF file to find January’s Sparrow.

Sojourner Truth’s Step-Stomp Stride

Andrea Davis Pinkney, Author

Brian Pinkney, Illustrator

Disney Jump at the Sun Books, 2009, Historical Fiction

Suitable for: Ages 5 and up

Themes: Slave, Abolitionist, Feminist

Opening/Synopsis: “She was big. She was black. She was so beautiful. Her name was Sojourner. Truth be told, she was meant for great things. Meant for speaking. Meant for preaching. Meant for teaching the truth about freedom. Big. Black. Beautiful. True. That was Sojourner.” Sojourner was born a slave in New York in 1797. Her parents named her Belle. She was a valuable slave because she was six feet tall, with size-twelve feet and she was strong and worked hard. She wanted her freedom and ran away. She stumbled upon a Quaker family who were abolitionists. The couple bought her freedom. She believed freedom belonged to everyone. She set out to speak her truth and help others. She changed her name to Sojourner Truth because she intended to spread the word about freedom and the unfair treatment of black people and women. In 1851, she stormed a women’s rights convention in a church Akron, Ohio and smashed the lies that were spoken about women that day. She spoke her truth and marched out of the church.

What I like this book: It shows the strength and determination of a black woman who was born a slave, could not read or write, yet became a very strong voice for freedom and equal rights for women, before the civil war was even fought. She let nothing get in her way. Andrea Davis Pinkney has done a beautiful job of captivating the spirit of this remarkable woman. The text has a unique and wonderful rhythm and evokes a lot of emotion. The illustrations by Brian Pinkney, are spirited, bold and emotive. Together they have created a very memorable picture book that belongs in every school library. Sojourner is a leader for young readers today.

Resources: There are pages of historical information and resources about Sojourner Truth at the end of the book. An abolitionist friend, Olive Gilbert, wrote a book about her in 1850, “The Narrative of Sojourner Truth: A Northern Slave.” There also is a photo of her meeting with President Abraham Lincoln on Oct. 29, 1864. He signed her book. There is a teacher lesson plan for Sojourner Truth with many great activities.

To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books. Or click on the Perfect Picture Book Fridays badge in the right sidebar.

The Other Side – Black History Month

The Other Side

Jacqueline Woodson, Author

E.B. Lewis, Illustrations, Fiction, 2001

Suitable for: Ages 5 and Up

Themes: Diversity, Friendship, Racial Equality, Segregation

Opening/Synopsis: That summer the fence that stretched through our town seemed bigger. We live in a yellow house on one side of it. White people live on the other. And Mama said, “Don’t climb over that fence when you play.” She said it wasn’t safe. Two girls, one white (Annie) and one black (Clover) live in houses on the opposite sides of the fence. Every morning, Annie climbs up on the fence and sits and watches Clover and her friends jumping rope. They don’t invite Annie to play. She sits on the fence every day rain or shine. She dances in rain puddles by herself. One day Clover goes over to the fence and climbs up to sit with Annie. They become good friends and spend the entire summer sitting on the fence that the adults built to separate their two communities.

What I like about this book: This is an excellent book to discuss the history of racism and diversity with children. Clover narrates this realistic and lyrical book by Jacqueline Woodson. E.B. Lewis’s beautiful water-color illustrations give the book a warm and friendly feeling. This book clearly shows how children don’t see color. They are puzzled by the fence between the black and white neighborhoods in their small town. They don’t disobey the rules, but find a clever way around them by sitting together on top of the fence. They aren’t going to let a fence get in the way of their friendship. Woodson does an outstanding job of showing that friendship can overcome any racial barrier. This is the 11th anniversary of this classic book. It continues to be a great book for classroom discussions.

Activities: There are two resource links for The Other Side. The second is an activity section that can be used with Woodson’s book.

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

The Escape of Oney Judge

Emily Arnold McCully, Author and Illustrator

Farrar Straus Giroux, Historical Fiction, 2007

Suitable for: Ages 6 and Up

Themes/Topics: Slavery, African-American, Freedom

Opening/Synopsis: “Oney! Come here, child.” It was Mrs. Washington! Oney ran to her and curtsied, as the house slaves did. Had the mistress caught her doing something wrong? “Oney, I’ve had my eye on you,” the great lady said. I see a bright girl who can learn. Tomorrow you will take up a needle and sew alongside your mother in the Mansion.” “Oh, thank you, ma’am.” Oney cried. “I’ll be glad to work with Mama!” Oney knows why she was selected to work in the big house at Mt. Vernon. It was because her father was white and she was light-skinned. But, she’s also very bright and loved learning new things.

After the Revolutionary War ended, Oney was puzzled that liberty meant freedom for people, but not for slaves. Mrs. Washington treated Oney like one of her own children, but she wouldn’t allow Oney to learn how to read or write. Oney was especially close to the Washington’s daughter, Nelly. After the general was elected president, Mrs. Washington chose Oney to be her personal maid at the first capital in New York City. Oney studied ladies’ gowns to see how they were cut and sewn, and designed all of Mrs. Washington’s clothing and caps. But, she never allowed Oney to earn money when she sewed for other women.

When the capital was moved to Philadelphia, Oney learned about slaves who were free. Mrs. Washington told Oney one night that after she died, she would give Oney to her newly married granddaughter. Oney knew the husband would sell her to a stranger, so she began to plan her escape. While the Washington’s were preparing to return to Mount Vernon, Oney saw her opportunity to leave. She ran to a white friend’s home where she hid until arrangements could be made for her escape. She didn’t know where she would end up. The Washington’s didn’t give up their search for Oney, even after she married a free black slave and had a child. They tracked Oney for years. McCully shows how very determined this young woman was to be free.

Why I liked this book: Little is written for children about the slaves of President George Washington and our Founding Fathers. Emily McCully gives kids a realistic understanding of that period in our history. She did an excellent job of researching Oney Judge Staines. Her illustrations capture the mood of that revolutionary time. George Washington was a good president, but he never took a public stand against slavery. Washington hoped for its end, and he freed his own slaves upon his death. Oney ended up in New Hampshire where she lived with her husband and three children. I ran across a series of letters George Washington wrote trying to track Oney. They are preserved in the Weeks Public Library and are very interesting. She died in 1848, and her death certificate read “domestic servant.” The Escape of Oney Judge is a 2008 Bank Street – Best Children’s Book of the Year, and a Jane Addams Children’s Book Award Winner. Activity: Click on Oney Judge for classroom activities.