Now in paperback and based on the New York Times Bestseller, this STEM biography is the true story of a boy whose great idea and perseverance lit up his home and inspired the world.

When fourteen-year-old William Kamkwamba's Malawi village was hit by a drought, everyone's crops began to fail. Without enough money for food, let alone school, William spent his days in the library . . . and figured out how to bring electricity to his village. Persevering against the odds, William built a functioning windmill out of junkyard scraps, and thus became the local hero who harnessed the wind.

Lyrically told and gloriously illustrated, this story will inspire many as it shows how—even in the worst of times—a great idea and a lot of hard work can still rock the world.
 
Contributor Bio(s)
 
William Kamkwamba grew up in a small village in Malawi. At the age of 14, he devised a windmill that brought electricity to his home during a catastrophic drought. His New York Times Bestselling autobiography has been translated into nearly twenty languages worldwide as well as a feature film, and William has appeared on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and Good Morning America. After graduating from Dartmouth College in Environmental Studies, William began work as a Global Fellow for the design firm IDEO.org. Now an entrepreneur and TED Fellow, he divides his time between the U.S. and Malawi and is currently working full-time with the Moving Windmills Project, a nonprofit he launched that’s dedicated to ethical, hands-on development in Malawi.

Bryan Mealer is the author of three other books, including The Kings of Big Spring: God, Oil, and One Family's Search for the American Dream. He is ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and works as a chaplain at Broadway Community in New York City, helping people experiencing homelessness and poor mental health find stability and housing.

Author Residence: Malawi (William); New York City (Bryan)

Author Hometown: Texas (Bryan)

Elizabeth Zunon was born and now lives in Albany, New York, and grew up in Côte D'Ivoire, West Africa. She is the author and illustrator of Grandpa Cacao and Through Sand and Salt, and the illustrator of many books including Bedtime for Sweet Creatures by Nikki Grimes, One Plastic Bag by Miranda Paul, and The Legendary Miss Lena Horne by Carole Boston Weatherford.

Illustrator Residence:Albany, NY

Illustrator Hometown:Côte D'Ivoire, West Africa