2019
WISE Score
Amazon
A kid saves his village with a pile of scrap metal and a library book—basically the ultimate DIY project for a world in crisis.
4.7
4.7View →Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)
This is the antidote to mindless scrolling. While most 'inspiring' stories feel like they're trying too hard, William Kamkwamba’s memoir is just a straight-up incredible feat of human will.
It’s science, it’s heart, and it’s a necessary reality check for kids who think a lagging Wi-Fi signal is a tragedy. This young readers edition trims the fat of the adult memoir but keeps the emotional weight. It’s a must-read for any kid who likes to take things apart to see how they work.
Perfect for 10-year-olds and up. It’s sophisticated enough for teens but accessible for a motivated 4th grader who likes building things.
Deeply rooted in family loyalty and community service. It models extreme persistence and the value of education without being preachy.
It’s a masterclass in 'making do.' It encourages kids to see raw materials and scientific principles where others see junk.
Generally very safe, but the reality of famine is heavy. There are descriptions of starvation and the death of a family dog that might be intense for sensitive younger readers.
Combines physics, geography, and social studies. It builds massive empathy for global issues while teaching basic engineering concepts.
The grown-up original: This is the official young readers adaptation of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba — William Kamkwamba's own retelling, at a length and reading level a middle-schooler can finish. When they close this one and want more, the original is the natural next step.
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