The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

When fourteen-year-old William Kamkwamba’s Malawi village was hit by a drought, everyone’s crops began to fail. Without enough money for food, let alone school, William spent his days in the library... and figured out how to bring electricity to his village. Persevering against the odds, William built a functioning windmill out of junkyard scraps, and thus became the local hero who harnessed the wind. 

Lyrically told and gloriously illustrated, this story will inspire many as it shows how - even in the worst of times - a great idea and a lot of hard work can still rock the world.

January 2012

Dial Books

Ages 5 and up

ISBN 978-0-8037-3511-8

Written by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer

“This book will appeal to adults eager to impart an uplifting Third World human-interest story, but it is also sure to resonate with children who will simply love the curiosity, resilience and resourcefulness of this doughty African youth."- Wall Street Journal

“The co-authors have collaborated with artist Elizabeth Zunon on a powerful, gorgeously illustrated children's book, published by Penguin, with the same title."- The Boston Globe

"Zunon illustrates handsomely, with contrasting cut-paper-collage details and broad, sere landscapes painted in visibly textured oils." - Kirkus