Introduction -- How do we know what it was like to be a slave? -- Did the English use slaves when they first came to America? -- Why did slavery start in America? -- Were all slaves brought over from Africa? -- Where did American slaves live? -- What was a cabin in the quarters like? -- Where would you sleep? -- Why did some cabins have tilted chimneys? -- What would you wear? -- What would you eat? -- How did people get extra food? -- Would you live with your father and mother? -- What if your father belonged to another slave owner? -- What would your name be? -- What happened when slaves were sold? -- When would you need a pass? -- What happened if you didn't have a pass? -- Would you go to school? -- Did some owners teach their slaves to read? -- Why weren't slaves allowed to read and write? -- Were slaves punished for knowing how to read? -- What kind of work did slaves do? -- Did slaves have to work very hard? -- Did the children have to work? -- Was there time for play? -- What games would you play? -- How did slaves help one another? -- What rule did every slave children learn? -- Were slaves allowed to get married? -- What was "jumping the broom"? -- What was the best time of the year? -- What was the first thing you'd say on Christmas Day? -- How would you find out the latest news? -- Why was corn shucking fun? -- Were any black people free? -- How could you become free? -- Could you be made a slave even if you were free? -- Was it dangerous to run away? -- What was the Underground Railroad? -- What happened during the Civil War? -- What was the first thing you would do when slavery ended? -- When did slavery end? -- Places to visit.
Summary:
Written in a question-and-answer format, intended for a juvenile audience, this book tells about the hard life that slaves faced and how they found ways to overcome some of the hardships. Relates how the cruel system of slavery in America began and how it ended.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.