Born into slavery in Tennessee, William "Bill" Lewis watched his family work long, grueling days in the fields. He wished there was something he could do to break them out of the bondage of slavery.

After learning the blacksmith trade, Bill earned so much fixing old tools and forging 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 buy his family's freedom.

Winner of Lee & Low's New Voices Award, Hammering for Freedom: The William Lewis Story tells the true story of one man's skill, hard work, and resolve to help his family live as free men and women.

From the dust jacket