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

Kamkwamba, William; Mealer, Bryan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0061884987 ISBN 13: 9780061884986

Publisher: Harper Large Print, 2009

Synopsis

Now a Netflix Film, Starring and Directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor of 12 Years a Slave

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. But William had read about windmills, and he dreamed of building one that would bring to his small village a set of luxuries that only 2 percent of Malawians could enjoy: electricity and running water. His neighbors called him misala--crazy--but William refused to let go of his dreams. With a small pile of once-forgotten science textbooks; some scrap metal, tractor parts, and bicycle halves; and an armory of curiosity and determination, he embarked on a daring plan to forge an unlikely contraption and small miracle that would change the lives around him.

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

About this title

Review:

"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

"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

"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

"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

" In this book, the spirit, resilience and resourcefulness that are Africa's greatest strengths shine through.... The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a remarkable story about a remarkable young man and his inquisitive and inventive mind."--Amy Smith, founder, D-Lab, MIT

"A rare and inspiring story of hope in rural Africa....William represents a new generation of Africans, using ingenuity and invention to overcome life's challenges. Where so many tilt at windmills, William builds them!"--Erik Hersman, AfriGadget.com

"This book.... is a testament to the power of a dream and the freedom that comes from accomplishing a sustainable way of life. Read this book, act on its message and pass it on."--Carter Roberts, President & CEO, WWF

"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

From the Back Cover:

William Kamkwamba was born in Malawi, a land withered by drought and hunger, a place where hope and opportunity were hard to find. But William had read about windmills and dreamed of building one that would bring his family electricity and running water, luxuries that only two percent of Malawians could afford. He used scrap metal, tractor parts, and bicycle halves to forge a crude machine that eventually powered four lights, complete with homemade switches and a circuit breaker made from nails and wire. A second windmill turned a water pump that could battle the drought and famine looming with every season.

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 on an entire continent.

About this edition

• Publisher: Harper Large Print
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0061884987
• ISBN 13: 9780061884986
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 442