Starred Review Winner of the publisher's New Voices award, this tells the inspiring story of William Lewis, an enslaved Tennessee blacksmith who vowed to find freedom for himself and his family, and who, despite overwhelming barriers, managed to do just that. Born in 1810, William was plucked out of the fields by his owner, Colonel Lewis, to apprentice as a blacksmith. His talent soon became obvious, but at first, he held close his determination to break from slavery. Allowed to keep a few coins, he began saving d perhaps more important, planning. First, William got the colonel to rent him out, so he could save more (after he paid the colonel his cut, of course). He was eventually able to buy freedom for his wife and himself, as well as their child and other family members. 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, such as Lewis needing a white man to escort him and make the transaction when he went to pay the colonel. The author's note, which features photos of the Lewis family, makes for a fascinating close.

The true story of William "Bill" Lewis, a man born into slavery who wouldn't rest until his whole family was free. Bill and his family were enslaved in Tennessee, where they worked long days in Col. Lewis' fields. Bill was a young boy when Col. Lewis decided to make him a blacksmith, and Bill became very good at it. Col. Lewis rented him out, a common practice, and started letting Bill keep some of the money. Bill saved his coins and decided to ask Col. Lewis to let him rent himself. Col. Lewis agreed, for a large yearly fee. Bill paid the fee and opened his own blacksmith shop, becoming the first African-American blacksmith in Chattanooga. He worked long days and saved his money, with a goal in mind. Over time, he bought his wife's freedom, and then their son's, and then, one by one, the rest of his family's. The text skillfully includes details about laws governing the lives of enslaved people (Bill travels with a white escort; he buys his wife's freedom first so that their future children will be born free) while keeping readers hooked through every step of Bill'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. (afterword, sources) (Picture book/biography. 5-9)

K-Gr 3 Winner of the 13th Lee & Low New Voices Award, Hubbard tells the true story of William "Bill" Lewis, who was born into slavery and used his blacksmithing skills to buy his freedomand, over time, the freedom of his entire extended family. Lewis's story is one of many in Hubbard's recent book, African Americans of Chattanooga: A History of Unsung Heroes . Hubbard, also from Chattanooga, emphasizes Lewis's hard work and artistry throughout the story with the "Clang! Clang!" of his hammer and his long days beginning with "bluish-purple sunrises" and ending in "burnt-orange sunsets." Historical details about the time period and Lewis's life are expanded upon in the afterword. Holyfield's vivid and detailed oil paintings use a palette of muted oranges, reds, and browns and cool blues and greens. Holyfield is especially adept at capturing emotions: Lewis's weariness and determination as he forges Chattanooga's town bell, the unkindness in slaver Colonel Lewis's eyes (he was the biological father of Lewis), and the joy on Lewis's and his wife Jane's faces after he bought their freedom. VERDICT A well-crafted picture book biography that belongs in every elementary nonfiction collection. Erica Ruscio, formerly at Rockport Public Library, MA

In 1837, Lewis, who was born into slavery, became the first African American blacksmith in Chattanooga, Tennessee--and he didn't stop working until he was able to buy the freedom of all his family members. Hubbard's straightforward yet lyrical narrative is effectively illuminated with descriptive passages. Rendered in smoothly textured acrylics, Holyfield's art, with its characteristically elongated images, dramatically conveys a sense of passion and purpose. Bib.

The true story of William "Bill" Lewis, a man born into slavery who wouldn't rest until his whole family was free. Bill and his family were enslaved in Tennessee, where they worked long days in Col. Lewis' fields. Bill was a young boy when Col. Lewis decided to make him a blacksmith, and Bill became very good at it. Col. Lewis rented him out, a common practice, and started letting Bill keep some of the money. Bill saved his coins and decided to ask Col. Lewis to let him rent himself. Col. Lewis agreed, for a large yearly fee. Bill paid the fee and opened his own blacksmith shop, becoming the first African-American blacksmith in Chattanooga. He worked long days and saved his money, with a goal in mind. Over time, he bought his wife's freedom, and then their son's, and then, one by one, the rest of his family's. The text skillfully includes details about laws governing the lives of enslaved people (Bill travels with a white escort; he buys his wife's freedom first so that their future children will be born free) while keeping readers hooked through every step of Bill'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. (afterword, sources) (Picture book/biography. 5-9)