An engaging picture book tells the fascinating story of William Lewis, an enslaved African American blacksmith who rented himself out, saving his earnings until he could buy his own freedom, then opened his own shop and earned enough money over 26 years to buy the freedom of all of his family members. The superbly written narrative focuses on Lewis’s talent and perseverance, using occasional onomatopoeia (“Clang! Clang!” / “Ding! Ching!”) to represent the endless hours of work in his blacksmith shop. Dynamic acrylic illustrations filled with details of the time period vividly capture the emotion on the faces of Lewis’s family members as they are freed (or left behind as someone else is freed, their own moment of liberty not yet come). The author’s sources tell how she pieced together the story of this remarkable man who was all but forgotten save for a historical marker in Chattanooga, Tennessee, using interviews, personal correspondence, newspaper articles, census records, court minutes, and historical documents such as wills and slave deeds. (Ages 7–10)

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.