In 5-8 sentences, summarize what the book the boy who harnessed the wind: creating currents of electricity and hope by Bryan Mealer is about. must include: the title of the book , the author’s name, and the central or main idea of the book. use specific details and/or quotes from the book in order to support your response.
You can also include information such as: WHO was the book about, WHAT was the book about, WHEN did the book take place, WHERE did the book take place, and WHY was this person/event important?
"The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope" by Bryan Mealer is a captivating memoir that recounts the inspiring journey of William Kamkwamba, a young Malawian boy, as he defies all odds to bring electricity to his impoverished village. The central idea of the book revolves around William's unwavering determination and resourcefulness in the face of adversity. Set in the early 2000s in the rural village of Wimbe, Malawi, William's story takes place during a time of extreme hardship and poverty.
The book highlights the dire circumstances William and his community faced, such as droughts, famine, and lack of access to education. Despite these challenges, William's thirst for knowledge leads him on a quest to learn how to build a windmill and generate electricity for his village. Through his resourcefulness and dedication, William scours the local library, salvages spare parts from a junkyard, and educates himself on engineering principles from books. As a result, he successfully constructs a working windmill, which not only brings electricity but also instills a sense of hope and empowerment in the village.
In the book, Mealer describes William's impoverished background, emphasizing the impact of his creation on his community: "With armature tilted toward the sky, my windmill looked just like one of the modern power poles traveled from village to village by armies of government workers. The sight of it made people gasp, and that filled me with pride." This signifies the transformational significance of William's achievement and how it brought a ray of hope and progress to a forgotten community.
Overall, the book chronicles the extraordinary journey of a young boy who defies all odds to bring electricity and hope to his village amidst poverty and hardship. William Kamkwamba's perseverance and resourcefulness demonstrate the power of education and innovation in transforming lives and creating a better future.