Hammering for Freedom: The William Lewis Story

New Voices Award Winner, Lee & Low Books
Notable Children's Book, Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)
Choices, Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
Top 10 Diverse Nonfiction for Youth, Booklist
Original Art Show, Society of Illustrators

The inspirational story of William "Bill" Lewis, a hardworking blacksmith who slowly saved his money and bought the freedom of each and every member of his enslaved family.

Born into slavery in Chattanooga, Tennessee, William "Bill" Lewis learned the blacksmith trade as soon as he was old enough to grip a hammer. He proved to be an exceptional blacksmith and earned so much money fixing old tools and creating new ones that he was allowed to keep a little money for himself. With just a few coins in his pocket, Bill set a daring plan in motion: he was determined to free his family.

Winner of Lee & Low's New Voices Award, Hammering for Freedom tells the true story of one man's skill, hard work, and resolve to keep his family together.