In the early 17th century, all the world knew of North America came from reports of the earliest European explorers. By the end of the 18th century, the world knew America as the United States, a country whose earliest years were shaped by colonialism. This historical, non-fiction text examines life in Colonial America through the eyes of the kids who lived there. Age-appropriate language takes readers inside the clothes, toys, schools, and ways of life in the 17th and 18th centuries. Fact boxes provide opportunities for additional learning. A glossary and index round out the text, completing a comprehensive learning experience.