As a little boy, Jalani loves playing with his imaginary friends in the forest near his home in Africa. One day, a stranger takes Jalani from the forest and sends him to America on a big boat. Jalani is covered in locks and chains, forced to work all day and never to play again. After many years, Jalani and the other slaves are freed. Jalani decides to keep the lock and key so his family would never forget where they came from. Inspired by true events, this boldly illustrated story is a lesson in resilience and remembrance.