The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer and illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon 
is the picture book version of the rousing and heartwarming story of a young Malawi boy who read some donated science books and pieced together a working windmill that eventually brought electricity and water to his village. Talk about science and technology in action.
The original book, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, revealed the story to young adults and adults. Now this picture book makes it accessible to youngsters who will hopefully be inspired by it.
Not only does the story show that hard work and perseverance pay off, but it is also gives a glimpse into the culture and challenges of living in Malawi. Plus, there’s the important message that reading books for the library can bring good things. Nice!
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind will fire up young children who like to tinker with things to keep tinkering. In these times of looking for alternative forms of power, who knows where that could lead.
Related:
Activities for kids to explore wind and wind power
William Kamkwamba’s TED presentation
Review of Wonderful Windmills book for children interested in learning more about windmills
This book was from my local library, a wonderful place to visit.
Reading level: Ages 6 and up
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Dial (January 19, 2012)
ISBN-10: 0803735111
ISBN-13: 978-0803735118
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: William Morrow; Reprint edition (July 27, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0061730335
ISBN-13: 978-0061730337
Come visit the STEM Friday blog each week to find more great Science, Technology, Engineering and Math books.
I just saw this book at the store and wondered about it- Thanks for the review- it looks perfect for my Earth Scouts group:)
Awesome! I’ve gotta read this book! Over at Archimedes Notebook I’m writing about wind power too… http://archimedesnotebook.blogspot.com/2012/10/engineering-natures-designs.html
We read this inspiring picture book when it was available for free on We Give Books. Unfortunately it looks like it isn’t there any more. Great book about wind power and a creative, ambitious young man.
Oops, I was wrong about We Give Books. It doesn’t look like the book pops up the search area, but if you log in and go to this link, you can read it! http://www.wegivebooks.org/books/the-boy-who-harnessed-the-wind/reader
Thanks for tracking down the link. I’m glad it is still available.
Lovely idea. I love studying the leaves in the fall. I am sure we have even more to learn.