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  • Published: 29 February 2016
  • ISBN: 9780147510426
  • Imprint: Rocky Pond Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 304
  • RRP: $24.00

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Young Readers Edition




The inspiring true story of a Malawi teenager who brought electricity to his struggling village--now in the ideal classroom-ready edition.

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 readers up to date on William's story, this is the perfect edition to read and share with the whole family.

  • Published: 29 February 2016
  • ISBN: 9780147510426
  • Imprint: Rocky Pond Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 304
  • RRP: $24.00

About the authors

William Kamkwamba

William Kamkwamba recently graduated from Dartmouth College. The original version of his memoir The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind was a New York Times Bestseller and a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year. He divides his time between Malawi and San Francisco, California.

Praise for The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

"Sure to resonate with children who will simply love the curiosity, resilience and resourcefulness of this doughty African youth."--The Wall Street Journal

* "Against astounding odds, Kamkwamba's eventual creation of a windmill to bring lighting to his family's home is nothing short of amazing. Compelling and informative for a broad readership and a good addition to STEM collections."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"[An] inspiring story of curiosity and ingenuity."--Publishers Weekly

"This is a dynamic portrait of a young person whose connection to the land, concern for his community, and drive to solve problems offer an inspiring model."--School Library Journal