Hammering for Freedom: The William Lewis Story

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.