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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
hopeful
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death
Read this book together with my 4th grader- and though it is a very hard read as far as how difficult some of the subject matter is to read, I think it's still an important story. It really shows perseverance and overcoming obstacles and will be an inspiration for your kids. Even if you have to skim over some of the harder parts. I absolutely sobbed, imagining being William's parents, having to tell your kids you only had enough food for one meal a day. And my heart hurt so much for this boy who loved learning so much, and had to learn so much for himself. But, this book really inspired my little guy and helped him to understand that life can be much different in other parts of the world, how lucky and blessed we are, and to try and learn as much as we can.
Growing up in Malawai, William Kamkwamba listened to his grandfather's tales of men with magic who cursed people and leopards who ate them. He listened well, because he knows how to weave a tale himself in relating his own journey from farming to creating his own technology.
The early part of young Kamkwamba's story portrays a carefree existence with friends. School wasn't taken seriously, even if he wanted to do well, and family are good people who clearly love and like each other. Famine slowly but inevitably strangles their dreams and claims its victims. There is a particularly difficult passage regarding an animal who adopts Kamkwamba that is very hard to read. But he does not spare himself in relating it.
The famine goes for years; survival is hardly guaranteed. It affects reader interest -- writing about the famine appears to be the author's main point for pages and pages instead of the contraption he created -- and also affects diffident student Kamkwamba's chances of being able to stay at school. But a sympathetic librarian lets him read about electricity and engineering. And that makes all the difference.
It is in the telling of how he creates an electricity-producing generator, using such items as pipeline, a seriously broken down bicycle and paper clips, that Kamkwamba shines in telling his story. His success, and how his village reacts to what he's done, are delightful, even though they also are the parts most consciously written for a Western audience. His subsequent international acclaim isn't half as exciting.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a story for anyone who needs to see that anything is still possible these days, regardless of how little a person has or how unconnected to a network of people who make things happen. Kamkwamba explicitly states he hopes others who struggle will hear of what he has done and know they are not alone. Kamkwamba's philosophy is simple: "If you want to make it, all you have to do is try."
Although such an idea may seem naive, its ability to help a determined young man is amply demonstrated.
The early part of young Kamkwamba's story portrays a carefree existence with friends. School wasn't taken seriously, even if he wanted to do well, and family are good people who clearly love and like each other. Famine slowly but inevitably strangles their dreams and claims its victims. There is a particularly difficult passage regarding an animal who adopts Kamkwamba that is very hard to read. But he does not spare himself in relating it.
The famine goes for years; survival is hardly guaranteed. It affects reader interest -- writing about the famine appears to be the author's main point for pages and pages instead of the contraption he created -- and also affects diffident student Kamkwamba's chances of being able to stay at school. But a sympathetic librarian lets him read about electricity and engineering. And that makes all the difference.
It is in the telling of how he creates an electricity-producing generator, using such items as pipeline, a seriously broken down bicycle and paper clips, that Kamkwamba shines in telling his story. His success, and how his village reacts to what he's done, are delightful, even though they also are the parts most consciously written for a Western audience. His subsequent international acclaim isn't half as exciting.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a story for anyone who needs to see that anything is still possible these days, regardless of how little a person has or how unconnected to a network of people who make things happen. Kamkwamba explicitly states he hopes others who struggle will hear of what he has done and know they are not alone. Kamkwamba's philosophy is simple: "If you want to make it, all you have to do is try."
Although such an idea may seem naive, its ability to help a determined young man is amply demonstrated.
Fabulous book! I don't know much about Africa and the people's lives there, so this book was really eye-opening. It was an amazing glimpse into the hardships and struggles of the people of Malawi. Add to that the awe inspiring story of William who builds a windmill to better the lives of the people in his village after seeing a picture of one in a book and you have a GREAT book. Everyone should read it.
2.5 stars rounded up. I hate how simple this book was. It seemed like it was written for a very young audience and I can’t imagine it was William’s English level, especially because he had a coauthor to help. I actually thought I was reading the young reader’s addition. He’s a remarkable man who is most definitely a genius. I’m going to watch the movie but can’t imagine recommending this book to many people.
The story itself is five stars - the amazing journey of a barely educated rural Malawi boy who overcomes physical, financial, emotional, social and political obstacles to become a creative entrepreneur and role model for his country and third world nations worldwide. The telling is, as might be expected from a first time author telling his own story, a bit drab. I'm glad I read the book, but can't really recommend it as a "great read."
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
This was a truly wonderful read. I read it for a course I was taking this term and was truly moved. An engaging and inspirational read!
adventurous
hopeful
informative
slow-paced