Overview

"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."

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9781600609695

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Reviews

* Powerful and uplifting; William Lewis should be a household name. -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review * A well-crafted picture book biography that belongs in every elementary nonfiction collection. -- School Library Journal, starred review * Handsomely illustrated with both vigor and tenderness, this is a terrific combination of words and art. Lewis is perhaps one of those hidden figures, but his determination, resolution, and smarts are all on display here. -- Booklist, starred review This is an inspiring and worthy picture-book biography of a man and his dreams fulfilled. -- The Horn Book New Voices Award Winner, Lee & Low Books Notable Children's Book, American Library Association (ALA) Choices, Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) Top 10 Diverse Nonfiction for Youth, Booklist Original Art Show, Society of Illustrators

* The text skillfully includes details about laws governing the lives of enslaved people ... while keeping readers hooked through every step of [William Bill Lewis]'s plan. Rich illustrations help readers imagine life in the 1800s and show the complexity of Bill's situation. Readers will root for Bill to the utterly satisfying end. Powerful and uplifting; William Lewis should be a household name. -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review * A well-crafted picture book biography that belongs in every elementary nonfiction collection. -- School Library Journal, starred review * Handsomely illustrated with both vigor and tenderness, this is a terrific combination of words and art. Lewis is perhaps one of those hidden figures, but his determination, resolution, and smarts are all on display here. The book also does a good job of subtly portraying some of the less noticeable diminishments of slavery... The author's note, which features photos of the Lewis family, makes for a fascinating close. -- Booklist, starred review Hubbard's straightforward but lyrical narrative is effectively illuminated with descriptive passages of Lewis at work in his shop... This is an inspiring and worthy picture-book biography of a man and his dreams fulfilled. -- The Horn Book New Voices Award Winner, LEE & LOW BOOKS Notable Children's Book, American Library Association (ALA) Choices, Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) Top 10 Diverse Nonfiction for Youth, Booklist Original Art Show, Society of Illustrators

"* ""Powerful and uplifting; William Lewis should be a household name."" -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review * ""A well-crafted picture book biography that belongs in every elementary nonfiction collection."" -- School Library Journal, starred review * ""Handsomely illustrated with both vigor and tenderness, this is a terrific combination of words and art. Lewis is perhaps one of those hidden figures, but his determination, resolution, and smarts are all on display here."" -- Booklist, starred review ""This is an inspiring and worthy picture-book biography of a man and his dreams fulfilled."" -- The Horn Book ALSC Notable Children's Books - American Library Association (ALA) CCBC Choices - Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) New Voices Award Winner - Lee & Low Books"

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Author Information

"Rita Lorraine Hubbard is the author of a number of nonfiction books for young adults and runs the children's book review site Picture Book Depot and the historical site The Black History Channel. While researching her book African Americans of Chattanooga: A History of Unsung Heroes, Hubbard discovered William ""Bill"" Lewis's story buried in some earlier history books. She was greatly moved by Lewis's love of his family and determination to overcome the odds. Hubbard lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee. You can find her online at ritahubbard.com. John Holyfield is a fine artist whose work has been described as having a strong southern feel that captures the essence of rural life. The main themes in his art are family, spirituality, and culture. In creating this book, Holyfield spoke to a blacksmith/farrier for additional insight about the craft. Holyfield lives with his family in West Virginia. His website is johnholyfield.com."

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