The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

 The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (YA Adaptation)

By William Kamkwamba

Erin picked this up for Kes to feed his burgeoning reading habit, but I'd just finished a book, had heard of it,

and so gave it a shot.

It's been a long while since I've read non-fiction. My reading these days is largely escapism, so a tale is what I need. But this book had me hooked. It is quite the dramatic story. 

A boy born to poor farmers in Malawi is thirsty for knowledge. But when a famine hits his country, there is no money left for school fees. So he takes learning into his own hands, visiting his primary school library for books. He has become fascinated with dynamos, small devices that create electricity with the turning of a wheel. His home, like most in his village, has no electricity, and he wants to change that. If Harnessed correctly, it could be life changing and offer insurance against future famine. 

One day, in a book, he discovers the concept of a windmill, and he realizes it could be used to turn the wheel of a dynamo much like a bicycle's wheels. So he sets off to build one, visiting local scrap yards for whatever materials he can. He builds a small windmill as proof of concept, and powers a radio. So he goes bigger, eventually erecting a windmill at his family's house. People think he's crazy. But soon enough, his whole house is wired and electrified. His family no longer goes to bed at 7 pm; they have conquered the night.

Somehow, this invention is discovered by the outside world. Media attention follows suit, and William's life trajectory changes dramatically. He delivers a TED talk, goes back to school, and eventually graduates from Dartmouth, pledging to spend his life helping his countrymen in Malawi. Inspiring stuff.