The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope - Hardcover

Kamkwamba, William; Mealer, Bryan

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0061730327 ISBN 13: 9780061730320

Publisher: William Morrow & Co, 2009

Synopsis

One of the coauthors tells his engaging and inspiring true story of hope, tenacity, and imagination, in which as an African teenager he built a windmill from scraps, creating electricity for his village—and a better life for himself and his family. 100,000 first printing.

About this title

Review:

"One of the best books I've ever read." -- Mark Frauenfelder, founder of boingboing.net, editor in chief of MAKE

"A powerful read. This book takes you on a journey to discover pure innovation and the unfolding story of a natural genius. A true vision of struggle and tenacity to make a bold idea become a reality. This should be required reading for anyone who dares to dream."--Cameron Sinclair, Eternal Optimist, Architecture for Humanity

"William will challenge everything you have thought about Africa, about young people, and about the power of one person to transform a community. This beautifully written book will open your heart and mind. I was moved by William and his story and believe you all will. Essential, powerful and compelling."--Chris Abani, author of Graceland

"An inspiring tale of an African Cheetah--the new generation of young Africans who won't sit and wait for corrupt and incompetent governments--or vampire states-- to come and do things for them. Here is one who harnessed the wind to generate electricity for his village--on his own."--Professor George Ayittey, Distinguished Economist, American University

"I loved this enchanting story of a humble young hero from an impoverished African village who accomplished a miracle with scrap materials and unstoppable enthusiasm. What an inspiration!"--Mark Frauenfelder, founder of boingboing.net, editor in chief of MAKE

"Beyond opening the door to a nascent genre of African Innovation literature, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind makes excuses about why Africans can't change their fates untenable. This potent, powerful, and uplifting message is the heart of William Kamkwamba's courageous story."--Emeka Okafor, internationally acclaimed author of blogs Timbuktu Chronicles and Africa Unchained

"The book abounds with themes that resonate deeply: the idea that with hard work and persistence comes triumph; that optimism is not a mental state but a type of action, that from grief and loss can come success."--Nathaniel Whittemore, Change.org

"One of the best books I've ever read."--Mark Frauenfelder, founder of boingboing.net, editor in chief of MAKE

"Wonderful! I challenge you to read this story of one young man changing his corner of the world with nothing but intelligence and perseverance and not come away more hopeful about the prospects for a brighter, greener future."--Alex Steffen, editor, Worldchanging.com

"This is an amazing, inspiring and heartwarming story! It's about harnessing the power not just of the wind, but of imagination and ingenuity. Those are the most important forces we have for saving our planet. William Kamkwamba is a hero for our age."--Walter Isaacson, author of Einstein and Benjamin Franklin

Review:

"THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND is the inspiring story of a young man in Africa who used the only resources available to him to build a windmill and elevate the lives and spirits of those in his community. 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."

About this edition

• Publisher: William Morrow & Co
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0061730327
• ISBN 13: 9780061730320
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 273