The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope

De: William Kamkwamba, Bryan Mealer

Narrado por: 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.

You can't take life for granted after this story

Sometimes my friends and I complain about certain aspects of our life and we will jokingly say "first world problems." This story highlights just how "first-world" world my problems really are. Initially the story takes a while to get into because it tries to establish background for where the story is taking place, but once you know the characters, the story is both inspirational and humbling.

This would be an especially good story for students who struggle to appreciate their education.

He would be considered a millennial.

Inspirational story of a boy who denied all odds and brought electricity to his village. Heartbreaking window into modern day famine, corruption, and poverty that most first world people will never witness first hand. but an uplifting and hopeful ending. I was shocked to learn that William is only a few years younger than I (30s) and had to repress the urge to feel bad about myself.

An amazing journey from Africa’s wilderness to the world

The stark contrast between William’s early life and the advanced world his creativity and perseverance he eventually visited and also conquered is beautifully revealed here.

Superb Narrative

Wonderfully read story about resilience in moments of hardship. inspiring. Helps engross the reader in the world of William.

Struggle, Growth and Success

This should be somewhere on every schools summer reading list for grades 6 to 12. It talks of struggles, hardships, and the growth that comes from learning how to exist on nothing. The struggles with poverty and the importance of family, faith and the belief that you can make things better with your own two hands.