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A review by maryhannawilson
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Young Readers Edition by William Kamkwamba, Bryan Mealer
inspiring
medium-paced
4.5
The young reader's version of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind was a fantastic choice for my middle school book club. The story begins in William Kamkwamba's tiny village in Malawi where the community is suffering from a horrible famine. William is determined to find a way to break the cycle by bringing electricity to his village. By using the textbooks available in his village library and spare parts at the junkyard, William accomplishes his dream and brings "electric wind" to his village.
This uplifting and exciting memoir shows how one person can influence positive change for those around them. I particularly enjoyed how we followed William with each step of his journey and learned how things worked alongside him. There were quite a few scientific explanations along the way which could be confusing or fascinating depending on your interests. The book would work very well as a literature addition to a physical science class studying electricity.
NOTE: Parents should know that the description of the famine and its impact on the village is very difficult to read. In addition, William leaves his dog to starve in the woods to end his suffering. The dog dies and the situation could be difficult for younger or more sensitive readers.
This uplifting and exciting memoir shows how one person can influence positive change for those around them. I particularly enjoyed how we followed William with each step of his journey and learned how things worked alongside him. There were quite a few scientific explanations along the way which could be confusing or fascinating depending on your interests. The book would work very well as a literature addition to a physical science class studying electricity.
NOTE: Parents should know that the description of the famine and its impact on the village is very difficult to read. In addition, William leaves his dog to starve in the woods to end his suffering. The dog dies and the situation could be difficult for younger or more sensitive readers.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death