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This is such an inspiring story of a boy in Malawi whose family can‘t afford to send him to school. He discovers the library and through research and trial and error, he builds a windmill in town to create electricity, starting with just one bulb so he could study at night. I‘ve had this book on my TBR for so many years! I‘m glad I finally read it ❤️

This book is a very inspiring story about a little boy who was able to build a windmill from scraps

This book would be a great book when discussing renewable energy. You could have students create windmills and other renewable energy projects

“I will make it. I will build it. I will show them.”

I love the message of this book

“He dreamed of building things and taking them apart...“

There is a longer, non-narrative biography that goes into more detail in the back of the book.

A biography about William Kamkwamba, an adolescent from Wimbe, who brought electricity to Wimbe by building a windmill! Inspiring and fitting for STEM/innovating.

"When you have a dream, you‘ve got to grab it and never let go."

Use this book to discuss renewable energy, inventiveness, and the importance of education. Students can brainstorm their own inventions or research alternative energy sources.

This true story tells of William Kamkwamba, a young boy in Malawi who builds a windmill to bring electricity to his village. His ingenuity and determination are a powerful example of solving problems with creativity and resourcefulness.

“When I was young, my parents would tell me stories about how the wind could be a powerful thing. And I thought to myself, ‘If I could harness the wind, I could make something.‘”

This quote embodies the spirit of curiosity and problem-solving. William‘s determination to transform a simple idea into a solution for his community reminds us that the spark of change often begins with a single thought or question.

William Kamkwamba‘s story is a reminder that even when resources are scarce, innovation and ingenuity can change lives. It‘s a powerful moment to reflect on how even small actions, driven by hope and a desire to help others, can have ripple effects far beyond what we can imagine.

This is an inspiring story about resilience and innovation, showing how one boy‘s resourcefulness brought change to his community. The young readers‘ edition is accessible and motivational, encouraging children to believe in their ability to make a difference.

“I went to sleep dreaming of Malawi, and all the things made possible when your dreams are powered by your heart.“

This book can be used to discuss perseverance and innovation. You might encourage students to think about simple solutions to big problems they see in the world around them.

William Kamkwamba, a boy in Malawi, built a windmill to provide electricity to his village after learning about wind energy in a library book.

“Don't worry about the things you can‘t do. Focus on what you can do, no matter how small it is, and try to do it as best as you can.”

This story demonstrates the power of knowledge, innovation, and perseverance, encouraging young readers to dream big and use what they learn to make a difference, even in difficult circumstances.

Growing up in a small village in Malawi, William Kamkwamba faced many hardships, including a devastating drought that left his family and community struggling to survive. When he discovered a science book on wind energy, William was inspired to build a windmill that could generate electricity and pump water. Using scrap materials and his own resourcefulness, William built the windmill and changed the future for his family and village.

This story is inspiring and uses good language to show children that anything is possible if you try

“When the wind blows, it can bring a new day, a new life. It can bring a brighter future.”

This biography tells the story of William Kamkwamba, a young boy from Malawi who used scrap materials and his own ingenuity to build a windmill that brought electricity to his village. It‘s a powerful story of perseverance, innovation, and hope.

“When you have a dream, you've got to grab it and never let go.”

This book can link to my teaching by inspiring students to think critically about problem-solving and innovation, showing them that even the most challenging situations can lead to creative solutions.

This book was published in 2009. This inspiring story recounts how a young boy from Malawi, faced with poverty and hunger, builds a windmill from scrap materials to generate electricity for his village. It received the 2010 Christian Science Monitor Award and encourages readers to pursue their dreams and harness their creativity.

“I try, and I made it.“

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind' by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer is an inspiring true story of a young boy's ingenuity in bringing electricity to his village in Malawi. With themes of resilience and innovation, it encourages students to think creatively about problem-solving. This book is suitable for discussions on renewable energy, African cultures, and the power of determination.

I watched this movie last week then pulled this book from my shelves. As much as I like the movie (I mean Chiwetel Ejiofor!) the book is better. The two hour movie couldn‘t capture the devastation of the famine or the authors own thoughts and words better than the book. The Malawi folklore is more vivid on the page, and his relationships with his father, with Gilbert and Geoffrey have more impact in the book.

I try, and I made it!

This book is not only inspiring, but can also be used as an introduction to STEM and can spark ideas for projects to do in the classroom.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a true story about co-author of the book William Kamkwamba. The story is about a time when Kamkwamba's village was struggling due to a drought. Kamkwamba discovered how to create a windmill and used scraps to build a functioning windmill that provided electricity.

What a great book about a boy helping his community by applying the things that he learned in school to build a windmill. I would definitely check this one out!

Loved Williams optimism, despite his many setbacks. And super interesting all the info about life in Malawi.

#ReadingAfrica2022