In honor of Juneteenth, come meet acclaimed children’s author and historian Ray Anthony Shepard on Tuesday, June 21 at 10:30am at the Main Library. Mr. Shepard will read from his newest book, Runaway: The Daring Escape of Ona Judge, a picture book biography of Ona Judge, a young enslaved woman who escaped the family of George Washington.

The book is written in verse, and focuses on the risks Ona faced escaping enslavement to the unknown life as a fugitive in New Hampshire. Kirkus Reviews says “with a distinctive, haunting voice, powerful images, and thought-provoking story structure, this unique look at a remarkable young woman’s life choices and decisions offers an utterly necessary but seldom highlighted perspective on the contradictions within our society’s foundations.” The book has received a host of awards, including the Jane Addams Children’s Honor Book, a Notable Book by the Association for Library Services to Children, Bank Street’s Best Books of the Year list, and a Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People.

Ray Anthony Shepard is a former middle school history teacher. As a child he was mesmerized by the historical stories his mother told, especially stories about his grandfather, who was enslaved until age six. From his mother, he learned the story of slavery not taught in school. He now strives to write “black biographies that matter to all young readers.” In addition to Runaway: The Daring Escape of Ona Judge, he is also the author of Now or Never!: Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Infantry’s War to End Slavery.

This event is generously sponsored by The Friends of the Concord Free Public Library. No registration is required.

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