The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Young Readers Edition)

By: William Kamkwamba, Bryan Mealer

Narrated by: Korey Jackson

Now a Netflix film starring and directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor, this is 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 listeners up to date on William's story, this is the perfect edition to read and share with the whole family.

©2015 William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer (P)2023 Listening Library

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

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.

Inspiring!

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

the fact that he had to take Simba dog to the forest so he can die there because of famine that hit the whole country

I like his determination of not giving up on his dream of becoming someone in life, my thumbs up for William Kamkwamba

My 10 yo and 13 yo boys loved it

We have a 30 minute ride to and from school. As soon as we would get in the car, “ Can you turn on the audiobook?!” Every time! The narration was fantastic, the story kept them engaged, they learned about life in a developing African nation, and science was presented as something fun and interesting. I couldn’t ask for a more perfect audiobook!

Inspiring story of determination

My children loved hearing the story of how this boy worked to realize his dreams. They were so impressed with how he taught himself what he needed to know and used what he could find around him to create his dreams.

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

if You Try, You Can Do Anything!

Outstanding story chronicling a boy's trials and triumphs as a lover of science in famine-stricken Malawi. Thanks for your courage and persistence, William.

A story that MUST be heard by everyone

Amazing what one’s will can accomplish
Beyond inspiring
Beyond awe and respect
The quality of human being he is, is the type of person this world needs
I hope my girls may be this kind of person- smart, driven, human!!!!!