Sep 9

Sep 9 The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Young Reader's Edition

Written by: William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer

Illustrated by: Anna Hymas

“The machine was ready. After so many months of preparation, the work was finally complete…And although I’d barely slept the night before, I’d never felt so awake. My invention was complete. It appeared exactly as I’d seen it in my dreams” (Kamkwamba, 2015, p.1).

Reading about how people live around the world can help us appreciate, understand and respect each other as human beings. William’s story of how he was able to bring electricity to his village is such an inspiration. William Kamkwamba is a seeker of knowledge and an innovator. From the very beginning he seeks to know how things work. He wants to understand. His thirst for knowledge and love for his family and village becomes the driving force behind his invention of the windmill, that brings water to their crops. This story is the perfect book for other curious readers who will be inspired by William’s story, as well as, those seeking to gain perspective on how other communities live and support one another. The teaching opportunities found within the pages of this book are endless: perseverance, struggle, science, family and politics just to name a few.

William Kamkwamba’s inspiring story is available as a picture book, a young adult edition, an adult reader, and as a Netflix original. Follow the links below to purchase or to find in a library near you.

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More From This Author: William Kankwamba

Hear William speak about his work: TedTalk

Buy Here: Indiebound. Amazon. Barnes and Noble or Find at your Library