The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind: Young Reader’s Addition

The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind: Young Reader’s Addition

Written by: William Kamkwamba 

Illustrated by: Bryan Mealer and Elizabeth Zunon 

Published by Dial Books for Young Readers, 2012

32 Pages

 

​This book follows the authors amazing journey in the hard living situations of Africa. William’s family was like much of the other families living all throughout the Malawi in 2002. The families were without running water, electricity, and because of the famine occurring in the country, they were extremely low on food. William was forced to drop out of school because his family could not afford it. But this didn’t stop William from dreaming of a better life. When he discovers a library book, it leads him to amazing discoveries, and ultimately, a life he had always hoped for.

​The illustrations of this story are a perfect addition to the words. Using a mixture of collage and paints, she captures an almost realistic portrayal of William. While some images are extremely detailed, others are simple and clean with sharp lines, like the windmill. The colors used are those found in the dirt, with a lot of reds and browns. With every page, you get a small glimpse of what life was and is like in Malawi, Africa.

 

​I would use this story in a history lesson to not only share about the drought in Malawi in 2002, but to also share with the students how different these people’s lives are than ours in the United States. This would be a wonderful motivational book as well. This young boy practically changed the world in the eyes of his family and other natives to the land. It just goes to show that age is not a fault, that no matter how old someone is, they can strive to make a difference. Lastly, I would use this book in a science lesson about environmental technology. The world of ‘green’ technology truly changed these people’s lives by simple windmills.