The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
By William Kamkwamba & Bryan Mealer
- Release Date: 2009-09-29
- Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Description
Now a Netflix Film, Starring and Directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor of 12 Years a Slave
William Kamkwamba was born in Malawi, a country where magic ruled and modern science was mystery. It was also a land withered by drought and hunger. But William had read about windmills, and he dreamed of building one that would bring to his small village a set of luxuries that only 2 percent of Malawians could enjoy: electricity and running water. His neighbors called him misala—crazy—but William refused to let go of his dreams. With a small pile of once-forgotten science textbooks; some scrap metal, tractor parts, and bicycle halves; and an armory of curiosity and determination, he embarked on a daring plan to forge an unlikely contraption and small miracle that would change the lives around him.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a remarkable true story about human inventiveness and its power to overcome crippling adversity. It will inspire anyone who doubts the power of one individual's ability to change his community and better the lives of those around him.
Reviews
Inspiring Biography
5By rsk22This is a very inspiring biography of a young man who suffers through poverty and hardships but perseveres through sheer grit and determination. The pinnacle of the story is when the author is able to create a windmill from scratch and with no education that is able to generate electricity for his family. It is quite an enlightening book about the difficulties that people in extreme poverty deal with from disease, famine, and access to quality education. If you want a book that is inspiring and a great read I highly recommend it.Very Interesting!
4By Allie (WolfPack)This book was great and had a lot of description. I loved learning of the beliefs and everyday life in Africa. The story flowed ok… I just have something to say if you are about to read the book. If you even think you are a slow reader, set goals for yourself in this book. I tried without a goal for the third of the book, and it turned out horribly. The book can go by slowly (especially this one) but if you are determined, it will be a breeze. I just don’t get why it talks more about the “famine” more than it talks about the actual windmill. It kind of threw me off guard at first because it didn’t go right into the topic of the book. But other than that, this book was extremely fascinating and I am planning to read similar books by the author!Guy power woo hoo
5By Duck lover 27Try to call me sexist I dare youThis book is an exhilarating story that inspires one’s true potential
5By alynxeThis book is an exhilarating story that inspires one’s true potential, and shows you how much one person can do to change their way of life. Reading this will show you just how much willpower and drive a person can have to accomplish the things they need.Amazing
5By Laya8888This book is amazing. It allows you to see the meaningful inspirational story of William Kamkwamba and how the Eastern world functions. This book made me enjoy reading and find a passion for helping the less fortunate.Incredibly inspiring
5By jonathompI had to read this book for school but I immediately fell in love with the writing style and description of Malawian culture. Kamkwamba used what he had—curiosity, determination, and a scrapyard; to create what he didn’t—electricity. I’m not a sciency person, but Kamkwamba’s descriptions were interesting and there was so much more to the story than his experiments. If nothing else, I walked away from the book incredibly inspired. Do yourself a favor and read this book!Amazing story about a boy never giving up.
4By BrendaG990First time I ever read anything in detail about Malawi. This boy's story of his hardship & disappointments growing up & him developing a plan by continued research, using the resources available is amazing. I recommend this book for all young people. Never give up!The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
5By MeadowweaseI love true stories of people overcoming hard situations. I would love all my grandchildren to read this and then imagine.Truly Inspirational
5By barrett21jamesI was literally fist-pumping in the air while reading this amazing story about William. He will capture your heart and have you cheering him on within these pages!Inspirational story
5By M42097I personally like the book because it was a very inspirational book and it shows that you can do anything you want to do as long as you dedicate yourself. I believe this should be a book kids read in school due to its inspiration.
