The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope

By: William Kamkwamba, Bryan Mealer

Narrated by: Chike Johnson

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.

©2009 William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer; (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers

Great for science nerds, vivid storytelling

Great for anyone who has an interest in development, physics, and entrepreneurship. William's story telling is both heart wrenching, practical, and informative.

Providing hope and ingenuity!

This book is amazing! I truly enjoyed listening and loved every moment. From adversity to success, a lot of changes in this man's life through his own tenacity and his love for his family and community.

Inspiring

Amazing, could not stop listening. such an inspiring story about his struggles and hopes !!

Impressive feat!

A wonderful story about what can be possible if a person has the determination and native ingenuity to solve a problem that many people either ignore or endure. I first saw an article about this young African man who taught himself enough, using library books, to provide electricity to his own home, as well as running water for his family.
The attachments included with the book show his drawings and the story describes the parts he used to fabricate his windmill.
The accent of the narrator might be a problem for some listeners, but I found it delicious to hear the story in a tongue that hopefully is close to that of the author.
Many young people could benefit from this story, illustrating the potential results of determination added to a strong dash of ingenuity.
I will obtain a copy for each of my grandchildren; all of them are teens at present, and marooned at home due to the Covid-19 virus- this might put a germ of an idea in a brain or two......
Thoroughly enjoyed it!

Incredible!

One of the most inspiring book I have ever read... I mean, heard! William Kamkwamba is my new hero. His strength, clear mind and general goodness inspire awe and humility. The narrator's native accent makes it even more poignant! A must listen.