Books like The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind tells the true story of William Kamkwamba, born in Malawi where modern science was a mystery and drought and hunger were common. Inspired by a book about windmills, William dreamed of building a machine that could bring electricity and water to his community. In 2002, famine turned his family's farm into a ruin and he was forced to abandon formal schooling to help his family survive. Undeterred, he drew on his curiosity and determination, using scrap metal, tractor parts and bicycle parts to construct a crude but functional windmill that lit four lights and powered a water pump. His invention, called magetsi a mphepo, drew attention beyond his village and became a symbol of ingenuity and hope. The book chronicles William’s journey, the challenges he faced, and how his invention changed not only his life but also the lives of his neighbors. A compelling nonfiction tale that illustrates how human creativity can overcome hardship, the book serves as an inspiration for anyone who doubts the power of a single individual to transform a community.

First publish date: 2009