The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope

By: William Kamkwamba, Bryan Mealer

Narrated by: Chike Johnson

Length: 10 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

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, and a place where hope and opportunity were hard to find.

Enchanted by the workings of electricity as a boy, William had a goal to study science in Malawi's top boarding schools. But in 2002, his country was stricken with a famine that left his family's farm devastated and his parents destitute. Unable to pay the 80-dollar-a-year tuition for his education, William was forced to drop out and help his family forage for food as thousands across the country starved and died.

Yet William refused to let go of his dreams. With nothing more than a fistful of cornmeal in his stomach, a small pile of once-forgotten science textbooks, and an armory of curiosity and determination, he embarked on a daring plan to bring his family a set of luxuries that only two percent of Malawians could afford and what the West considers a necessity--electricity and running water. Using scrap metal, tractor parts, and bicycle halves, William forged a crude yet operable windmill, an unlikely contraption and small miracle that eventually powered four lights, complete with homemade switches and a circuit breaker made from nails and wire. A second machine turned a water pump that could battle the drought and famine that loomed with every season.

Soon, news of William's magetsi a mphepo--his "electric wind"--spread beyond the borders of his home, and the boy who was once called crazy became an inspiration to those around the world.

Here is the remarkable story about human inventiveness and its power to overcome crippling adversity. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind will inspire anyone who doubts the power of one individual's ability to change his community and better the lives of those around him.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

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

Critic reviews

"William Kamkwamba's achievements with wind energy should serve as a model of what one person, with an inspired idea, can do to tackle the crisis we face. His book tells a moving and exciting story." (Al Gore, former Vice President and Nobel Laureate)
"This exquisite tale strips life down to its barest essentials, and once there finds reason for hopes and dreams, and is especially resonant for Americans given the economy and increasingly heated debates over health care and energy policy." ( Publishers Weekly)

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.

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.

So much more than the movie

It was very interesting to hear the history behind why this man sought to harness the wind. Some is very sad but it gave me a new perspective. I live in a third world country but at least where I live no one starves. The need and the hope make this well worth a listen.

Beautiful and inspiring

I loved this book. I learned so much about Malawi and so much more. It’s so nice to read these sorts of uplifting stories especially with all the ugly stories we read about in the news everyday.

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!