The Young Readers Edition of the New York Times Bestseller: A true story of survival against the odds

When I saw this book in a thrift store in Utah, it immediately drew me in, and for two main reasons. First, I had recently visited two nations in Africa hit by a devastating drought and famine that the rest of the world seemingly ignored. I had seen unimaginable pictures of starvation and death, pictures that have kept me awake at night wondering what in the world I could do, and this book helped me remember.

Second, my 12-year-old son has a penchant for electronics, and in this I found a book that might stir that flame to greater intensity. The book did just that, and I was so happy to hear his engagement with the story as I read it!

While I certainly encourage my kids to read books on their own, I also read age-appropriate books to my kids both mornings and evenings. It’s a family affair that keeps us talking and engaged, and I love every minute of it. This book was an evening read for us, and it was definitely one of the more fascinating tales we’ve cover recently—likely due to its being a memoir and not just some fictitious story!

The book follows the life (and dreams) of a young William Kamkwamba, living through the trials and famines of life in a Malawian village. Although a decent student, he was no longer allowed to continue in school due to the cost of tuition, and he was therefore forced to find his education elsewhere. He found it in the public library where he discovered the curious world of science and, especially, electronics.

Taking his book-learning to heart, he began the habit of scrounging for and collecting odd parts and then experimenting with the things he found. With the encouragement and occasional financial help from friends, he eventually crafted a windmill capable of generating power to his home. His device (not quite an invention, but ingenious nevertheless) garnered local then national then international attention, and William was suddenly thrust into a spotlight he never could have imagined. His not-so-simple windmill project landed him scholarships, TED Talks opportunities, and recognition from prestigious institutions and individuals. He ultimately discovered that one simple idea has the power to change his entire world.

We loved reading our way through the processes of interest, discovery, implementation, attention, and all of their aftereffects. This book was gripping, despite its being a memoir set in a location my children have never visited! We ate it up, page by page, and sincerely never wanted it to end. It may not be prudent for me to share his concluding paragraphs as a quotation, but I feel I must, for these words capture the spirit and feel of the book as a whole. Perhaps leaving you with Kamkwamba’s conclusion might inspire you to read the book in its entirety:

It was an incredible feeling to see the machines that I’d imagined for so long. Now here they were, twisting in the wind before me. I realized I’d come full circle. The pictures in the book had provided the idea, hunger and darkness give me inspiration, and I’d embarked myself in this long and amazing journey. Standing there, I waited for direction. What would I do next? What was in my future? Looking across the field of windmills, I saw how the mountains seem to tumble and dance along their twirling blades.

They seemed to be telling me something—that I didn’t have to decide right away. I could return to Africa and go back to school. After that, who knows? Perhaps I would study these machines and learn how to build them, then plant my own forest of mechanical trees in Malawi. Perhaps I could even teach people how to build simpler devices like I had at home so they could provide their own light and water. Perhaps I’d do both. Whatever I decided to do, this lesson would always stay with me:

If you want to make it, all you have to do is try. (278)

I’ve never read a “Young Reader’s Edition” of anything before, but this was an incredible introduction to the genre (if it is in fact a genre!). I’ll be searching our public library for more books in the same vein, because this exceeded all of our expectations. It’s a great book worth reading, and I hope you all get a chance to enjoy it as much as we did.

©2023 E.T.