The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

By William Kamkwamba, Bryan Mealer, Anna Hymas (Illustrator)

A boy builds a windmill to save his village from drought.

4.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 12,310 ratings

304 pages· 90,690 words· Est. 10 hour read

$9.99Save 4%

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Bookroo's summary

In a drought-stricken Malawian village, young William Kamkwamba faces starvation. With only a small library at his disposal, he discovers a way to harness the wind. Using scrap metal and bicycle parts, William constructs a windmill, bringing electricity and hope to his family. Can one boy's ingenuity change the fate of his entire community? This inspiring memoir reveals the power of innovation and resilience in the face of adversity.

From the publisher

Japanese edition of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. True story of a boy growing up in an improvised, desolate central Africa. The 14 year old William Kamkwamba learned about electrical windmills at a small library, and after weeks of foraging for junk parts, he did the incredible. In Japanese. Distributed by Tsai Fong Books, Inc.

At a glance

Format
Pages: 304
Words: 90,690
Reading age: 10–13
Audience: Middle Grade
Lexile: 860L

Themes & topics

Books about scientists Books about tractors Books about Africa Books about science and technology Books about culture

What readers & critics say

Reviews

4.5

out of 7

4.0

“A story about a boy who reads a book and learns how to build a windmill to bring water from the earth and help save his family and friends in the midst of a drought.”

Mr. Staccato

Trusted reviewer

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