“Children everywhere have similar ways of entertaining themselves. If you look at it this way, the world isn’t so big.”–William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
William Kamkwamba was born in Malawi at a time when magic and witch doctors were the norm and modern science was a mystery. William was bright, curious, and dreamt of a better life. Malawi was suffering a horrific drought and as a result hunger was widespread. William read about windmills and how they could bring two things to his tiny village that virtually no one in Malawi had access to–electricity and running water. His neighbors thought he was crazy as he attempted to build a windmill. Using nearly forgotten science text books, scrap metal, tractor and bicycle parts, he began a journey to create an invention that would change his life and the lives of those around him.
This is a fantastic true story that celebrates curiosity, determination, human inventiveness, and the difference one person can make in the world, even in the face of unbelievable challenges. I highly recommend this book for adults and children alike.
Content Advisory: Death, violence, famine