The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer (Harper, 2010) is an entertaining and inspiring story of what just one person can do to transform and entire community.

Using his own life story and the entertaining cultural stories handed down in his African village, William describes how experiences in his own life moved him toward using his own creativity, vision and ingenuity to bring electricity to an entire community and the hopeful changes that come with it.

His rich telling of the story immediately places you squarely within this remote Malawian village, witnessing their daily life and struggles.

But it also speaks to the importance of allowing local people to find local solutions that best fit their community and situations.

“The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a remarkable true story about human inventiveness and its power to overcome crippling adversity. It will inspire anyone who doubts the power of one individual’s ability to change his or her community and better the lives of those around them.”

Watch William explain his book for yourself, on this 1-minute YouTube video.

For another book idea consider The Blue Sweater by Jacqueline Novogratz posted at Why We Should Listen, or check out New Books and 29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life.