Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
My local university picked this book as the book in common for 2010. I always have a little hesitation in reading inspiring true stories because They don't really provide a read that helps me escape. I am so glad I persevered with this book. The voice of William came out clear and his drive to create a better life for his community was inspirational. Reading through his continual and serious setbacks further proved William's commitment and drive. I am so glad that he shared his story with great humility and gratitude. Now to read the 2011 book in common.
Wow, this book was so inspiring. I read it with my kids (edited out a few parts that weren’t pertinent to the story). We learned so much about life in other, poorer countries. How much we have to be thankful for so many conveniences. What starting really looks like through the famine. And we’re so inspired by William’s self education as he had a desire to make life easier for his family. That learning looks like so many different things. We can pursue our own learning as we find a mission in life that we need to learn specific things for. We were so touched by his story. Amazing.
I read the young reader's edition of this book. I felt it started slow, but got really interesting towards the end.
Great book for teens and young adults. Very inspiring. The story follows a young boy from a small country in Africa. It explains how the country suffered a horrible famine that killed many people. This famine inspired a young boy to build a windmill to help his family.
My rising 8th graders are reading this for summer reading. While I would love to see it added to the curriculum during the year and taught in an integrated science, modern world, and English unit, I will take the small wins. I hope students find time to read it during the summer and enjoy the challenge to look at another culture and the way magic takes a back seat as science and God as creator win the day.
This is just a really fascinating story! I learned so much and I’m in awe of what William accomplished and continues to accomplish.
This was so fascinating and full of hope. I learned way more about electricity than I needed, and I loved William’s voice and his story. Good adaptation for young readers.
Love. Seriously loved this book.
I won’t bore you with a synopsis, because you can read that above. I will say this, about halfway through the book I made a note that despite the fact that William was in such a grim and desperate situation, I loved how the story wasn’t being told with a “woe-is-me” voice. The bad conditions that he faced were approached with a light-heartedness that was completely endearing.
It takes a lot for me to say that a story changed me, but this one did. First, I was struck by the fact that under terrible conditions and physical starvation, his curiosity and desire to learn were still so strong. Second, it is inspiring to think that a person with so little can use his creativity to make such an impact.
Read this book. It’s wonderful.
I won’t bore you with a synopsis, because you can read that above. I will say this, about halfway through the book I made a note that despite the fact that William was in such a grim and desperate situation, I loved how the story wasn’t being told with a “woe-is-me” voice. The bad conditions that he faced were approached with a light-heartedness that was completely endearing.
It takes a lot for me to say that a story changed me, but this one did. First, I was struck by the fact that under terrible conditions and physical starvation, his curiosity and desire to learn were still so strong. Second, it is inspiring to think that a person with so little can use his creativity to make such an impact.
Read this book. It’s wonderful.
William is a clever and intrepid little dude with a great story to tell.
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced