The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Young Readers Edition
by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer · Grade 5-8 · Ages Ages 10-14
William is a curious boy growing up in Malawi who loves learning how things work. When drought makes life very hard for his family and village, he starts using library books, old parts, and big ideas to imagine a way to help.
Key vocabulary
To harness something means to control and use its power. William wants to harness the wind to make something helpful.
A drought is a long time with little or no rain. It can make it hard for crops to grow.
A famine is when many people do not have enough food for a long time. It often happens after crops fail.
Maize is another word for corn. In Malawi, many families grow and eat maize.
A turbine is a machine with blades that spin when wind, water, or steam pushes them. The spinning can help make power.
A generator is a machine that makes electricity. It can turn movement into electric power.
A scrapyard is a place where old metal, machines, and parts are kept. Creative builders can sometimes find useful pieces there.
Irrigation means bringing water to plants or fields. It helps crops grow when there is not enough rain.