The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind - Novel Review - TWU LS 5623-20 SU2012

Kamkwamba, William and Bryan Mealer. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. New York, Adobe Digital Edition, 2009. Digital. ISBN 978-0-06-193769-9, 292p. The jagged pieces of junk wood, scrap metal and bicycle parts climbed into the air as he lashed them together. What had leapt into his mind when he began checking out books from the library to fill the void left when he could no longer afford school was becoming a reality. Though just a teenager famine, grief, poverty and struggle couldn’t keep him from achieving his goal. The wind was part of Malawi, and soon William Kamkwamba would be a part of its history. William said it best when he said, “We must encourage those still struggling to keep moving forward. My fellow students and I talk about creating a new kind of Africa, a place of leaders instead of victims, a home of innovation rather than charity…I want them to know they’re not alone” (pg. 291). William and his co-author Bryan Mealer take readers on an epic journey through one young man’s life, both simple and remarkable at the same time. The humanness of William’s autobiographical account is what draws readers in. His struggles, in particular the devastatingly real re-telling of his country’s struggle through famine, is both heart-wrenching and gripping. While all Young Adult readers may not be able to connect with the utter poverty and suffering William describes, the moments of loss and hardship are still tangible, even at times uncomfortable. In this respect I caution adults choosing this book for their YA readers as they must be aware that some moments of the autobiography can be difficult to read, at times. The extended account of the famine is, in particular, troubling. While not necessarily a negative it is something readers should be aware of. And yet, through it all, William’s ingenuity and desire to bring something as simple as electricity to his home brings readers in. His creative and scientific mind is wonderful to read about in action and his overcoming of obstacles will have readers cheering. In addition the wonderful things that happen to William later in life as he moves towards more progress are merely icing on the cake. The book puts on no airs, is accurate, thoughtful, charming and gripping. Every young person mature enough to handle the content of this book should read it, period. Kamkwamba, William and Bryan Mealer. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. New York, Adobe Digital Edition, 2009. Digital.