I am so excited to start this book review series on the blog. I will be sharing fiction, historical novels, children’s books, Christian books, parenting books, and anything I may come across that I get excited about. I hope you will find these book recommendations helpful as you navigate the world of books.
This first book I will be sharing is one I grabbed from the local library after reading a post on Instagram about it. While I didn’t get time to read the book, I did get to listen to the audiobook (available in Scribd paid membership), and I couldn’t stop listening until I was done. If you’re anything like me, finding the time to sit down and read a book can be challenging. But I’ve found a great solution: audiobooks! They’ve become my companion as I chauffeur the kids around, run errands, and tackle household chores during the day. With audiobooks, I can immerse myself in captivating stories while getting things done. It’s the perfect way to make the most of my busy schedule and still enjoy the pleasure of a good book!
Here we go with book 1.
Book: “Never Caught: The Washingtons’ Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave, Ona Judge”
Author: Erica Armstrong Dunbar
Summary
The book delves into the story of Ona Judge, who was born into slavery at Mount Vernon, Washington’s plantation. Ona served as a person enslaved to Martha Washington and eventually escaped from the President’s household in 1796 while living in Philadelphia. “Never Caught” examines the events leading up to Ona’s escape and the extensive efforts made by the Washingtons to recapture her.
Age Group
It is recommended for ages 12 and above. There are mature topics that older kids need to have learned about before reading this book. It is good practice to screen books or look for reviews before allowing your child to read a new book or new author. This is especially true if you care enough about the values they will learn and pick up from books.
Why you should read it
Unveiling Hidden History
This book highlights a lesser-known aspect of American history – the personal stories of the enslaved. This book, in particular, delves into the story of Ona Judge, a courageous enslaved person who escaped from George Washington’s household, and the journey she encountered in her struggle for freedom.
Challenging Narratives:
“Never Caught” challenges the widely accepted narratives of America’s founding fathers, examining their actions and how they partook in the institution of slavery. It encourages us to rethink our understanding of the past and the historical accounts of the leaders who shaped this country.
Empowering Untold Voices:
Erica Armstrong Dunbar does a fantastic job of representing the unrepresented voice from history. She depicts their stories, struggles, unheard and unspoken thoughts and shows us their resilience in pursuing freedom.
If you are like me and still learning American History, take the time to research and read books that depict the diverse narratives from all vantage points and representations.
Where to find other diverse books?
If you are ever looking for book recommendations with diverse representation, may I point you to Stories of Color? It is a free resource created by Nicole Cottrelle and gives you various book options for all ages.
