When did slavery start in North America? Why did it occur so long in the United States? And what happened once enslaved people were free? The reality of enslavement can be shocking to young learners. The terrible treatment these people received at the hands of enslavers—and the ripples of that long after—can be hard for modern audiences to truly understand. In this book, readers find the answers to their most pressing questions about enslavement, all written in straightforward, age-appropriate language for comprehension by readers of many levels. Historical images, maps, and graphic organizers complement the main text.