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The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Young Readers Edition)

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The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Young Readers Edition)

By: William Kamkwamba, Bryan Mealer
Narrated by: Korey Jackson
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About this listen

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

©2015 William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer (P)2023 Listening Library Biographies Geography & Cultures Science & Technology Nonfiction Africa Technology Memoir Village

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Critic reviews

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

"This book will appeal to adults eager to impart an uplifting Third World human-interest story, but it is also sure to resonate with children who will simply love the curiosity, resilience and resourcefulness of this doughty African youth." — Wall Street Journal
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Excellently read and what a honest and real story. Will leave a mark on me for all of time .

A must read!

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Loved the narrator, really brought the story to life. The book was difficult to listen to at some points, quite harrowing and sad but it builds a background to the brilliant story. An excellent read!

Fabulous, absorbing book!

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An intriguing story that weaves Malawian culture and history with science and engineering. William Kamkwamba is truly inspirational and the narration of this audiobook excellent.

Inspirational Story

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