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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
I had heard of William Kamkwamba before, and I knew he had powered his tiny village in Africa via windmill, but I hadn't known all that much about him otherwise. This wonderful account of his life and his accomplishments, penned by Kamkwamba himself, was absolutely wonderful and I am glad to know more about this miraculous young man!
I am a huge fan of William's TED presentation so when I found this book I was excited to read the story behind the windmill. The book is just as inspiring as the presentation encompassing a back story full of trials and tribulations as well as the triumphant moments you're hoping for. Highly recommend.
This is a fantastic story of the human spirit and the power of creativity and ingenuity. Required reading for anyone feeling in a rut and needing motivation to make things better. I am so proud that Purdue University selected this book for its One Book Purdue initiative this fall.
While the technical descriptions were challenging (I had to recall my eighth grade knowledge of currents and electricity) the story was engaging.
William's family's challenges during the drought demonstrates the resilience of humans.
I'd recommend this book to students interested in science, in other cultures, biographies, or teenagers.
William's family's challenges during the drought demonstrates the resilience of humans.
I'd recommend this book to students interested in science, in other cultures, biographies, or teenagers.
Inspirational story of success that can be accomplished through innovation, creativity, and sheer need. Very simply written and easy to read.
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
slow-paced
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is the inspiring story of William Kamkwamba. He grew up in Malawi as the son of a corn and tobacco farmer. William faced hardships throughout his childhood including poverty, famine, and lack of educational opportunities. None of those hardships stopped him from success though. He became interested in electronics and did everything in his power to learn whatever he could. He wanted to make life for his family better and decided that building a windmill would help him do that. This is his story.
A heart-warming book to read. Recommended to anyone.
I actually enjoyed the first half of the book over the last part where he is making the windmill. The ending dragged a bit for me. Enjoyed reading it with my son. I don't think he realized how some places in the world today still have people that pass away from diseases that we can cure in the US.