The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Young Readers Edition

By: William Kamkwamba, Bryan Mealer

Narrated by: Korey Jackson

New York Times Bestseller • Now a Netflix film starring and directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor! A gripping memoir of survival and perseverance about the heroic young inventor who brought electricity to his Malawian village.

When a terrible drought struck William Kamkwamba's tiny village in Malawi, his family lost all of the season's crops, leaving them with nothing to eat and nothing to sell. William began to explore science books in his village library, looking for a solution. There, he came up with the idea that would change his family's life forever: he could build a windmill. Made out of scrap metal and old bicycle parts, William's windmill brought electricity to his home and helped his family pump the water they needed to farm the land.

Retold for a younger audience, this exciting memoir shows how, even in a desperate situation, one boy's brilliant idea can light up the world. Complete with photographs, illustrations, and an epilogue that will bring readers up to date on William's story, this is the perfect edition to read and share with the whole family.

Critic reviews

"[An] inspiring story of curiosity and ingenuity." — Publishers Weekly

"This book will appeal to adults eager to impart an uplifting Third World human-interest story, but it is also sure to resonate with children who will simply love the curiosity, resilience and resourcefulness of this doughty African youth." — Wall Street Journal

"A powerful, gorgeously illustrated children's picture book." — The Boston Globe

"This is a dynamic portrait of a young person whose connection to the land, concern for his community, and drive to solve problems offer an inspiring model." — School Library Journal

"Zunon illustrates handsomely, with contrasting cut-paper-collage details and broad, sere landscapes painted in visibly textured oils." — Kirkus

"This picture book in accessible free verse will draw kids who love to construct their own engineering gadgets." — Booklist

Cooperative Children’s Book Center’s 2013 Best-of-the-year list. — CCBC

Inspiring!

This was such an uplifting read. After the loss and turmoil, this young man powered through did amazing things.

AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Such an amazing story we listened to it on family road trip. My family loved it and wishes there were more stories like this.

His perseverance

Loved the true story of someone who, against all odds, succeeded in seeing his dream come true.

Inspirational

This is an excellent story directed at youth but inspiring for all. Raised in a poverty stricken village, the author sought to improve his family's life through creating a windmill. I am so impressed by his resourcefulness and determination! Great story!

I

I Love the way the book was created and I think the characters were just a