The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind

by Kamkwamba William and Bryan Mealer- A book that is a treasure for every young reader. Good news is, this treasure is easily available. You don't need to follow a complex treasure map to find it. It might be in the nearest library, local bookstore or online. Suitable for ages 10+

This is a book that was recommended to me by an avid reader at the Young Readers' Club. He presented in detail why this book matters so much to him. I made a note of the title in my notebook and forgot about it.

Months later, the same book found me in our community library. I did not know that this library existed. It is hidden away. I came to know about it and visited it. I felt like a child once again surrounded by beautiful books. I signed up to be a volunteer to bring more children and adults to the library. Armed with a new library card, I went hunting for books to borrow. This book caught my attention. I remembered how eagerly that young reader had talked about this book. I gingerly picked it up. I was skeptical. Hard to say why. I thought I won't like it. But what's the harm in borrowing it to read?

I came back home, opened the book to read, still convinced that I wouldn't get past the Forward. I kept reading. The Forward, followed by chapter 1, then 2...I kept going. I couldn't keep the book down. I was in Malawi, watching the events unfold. Watching people survive through many odds, all the time grateful for what I have. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, taught me plenty. This is a book based on the real life story of William Kamkwamba.

William was a young boy filled with curiosity and love for science. He loved to tinker and build. For someone with such eagerness to learn, a decent school with good lab facilities and good science books was beyond his reach. English was a challenge. No one to help him. He found a way out in a library. He started to devour books on Science and Engineering. Language was a challenge but the sought the librarian's help for new words and relied on diagrams and images to enhance understanding of scientific concepts. The idea to build a windmill was born. A windmill could generate power that could solve so many problems in Malawi. They would have light at home. Cell phones could be charged and much more.

Having an idea is all well. But making it happen, that's a different story. This is a book that takes the reader on a journey of curiosity, learning, failure, friendships, moving on from failure, ups and downs and finally the sweet taste of success and giving back to society.

This is a treasure that ideally should be in every home for every young reader.

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The Young Readers' Club is a book club for the 8-12 age group. We also do vocabulary building activities and mini writing lessons for a little variety!

Writing programs for the 9-12 age group- Young Writers' Club Jr.  

The Young Writers' Club program for the 13-16 age group offers a weekly platform to read and discuss curated articles from the news, observe writing approaches and practise one's writing skills.

NEW! Tween Tribune  is an online magazine for the Young Writers' Club (Jr.) program for tweens. Weekly updates of our discussions are published. Once in 6 months, the best of writing by the tween members is made available to read.

 NEW! Musings from the Young Writers' Club is an online magazine showcasing the work we do at the Young Writers' Club.

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