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The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind LP

by William Kamkwamba Publisher: HARPERLUXE

A windmill built from curiosity and salvaged parts

Regular price $24.18 USD
Regular price $37.79 USD Sale price $24.18 USD
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Paperback – Large print New

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AlbakiReads Editorial

A windmill built from curiosity and salvaged parts

William Kamkwamba’s memoir connects a village’s drought and hunger in Malawi with one young person’s interest in science. After reading about windmills, he sets out to build one using science textbooks and salvaged materials, aiming to bring electricity and running water to his community. The account brings together practical invention and the conditions that shaped the project, including limited access to resources and neighbors’ skepticism. Its subject is both a homemade machine and the possibility of applying knowledge to a community need.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Readers interested in memoirs about science, technology, and hands-on invention.
  • Readers looking for accounts of life in Malawi amid drought and hunger.
  • Readers interested in individual efforts to address community needs.

Themes

Ingenuity and resourcefulnessScience and technologyDrought and hungerCommunity change

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

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.

This inspiring memoir, 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.

This extraordinary memoir of African innovation shows that one person can change a community:

  • An Unforgettable True Story: Follow a young boy in Malawi who, armed with forgotten science textbooks, stood up to a devastating famine and brought hope to his village.
  • Ingenuity and Determination: Discover how William Kamkwamba built a working windmill from scrap metal, tractor parts, and bicycle halves to bring electricity and running water to his community.
  • Overcoming Crippling Adversity: A powerful narrative of resilience and inventiveness in the face of drought, hunger, and being called misala--crazy--by his neighbors.
  • Now a Major Netflix Film: Experience the story that inspired the critically acclaimed film, directed by and starring Chiwetel Ejiofor.
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Customer reviews

M
AlbakiReads
Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

T
AlbakiReads
Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

O
AlbakiReads
Olivia

Smooth.