Bookverdict.com

This is the remarkable story of an African teenager who, by courage, ingenuity, and determination, defeated the odds. Born in 1987 in a drought-ravaged Malawi where hope and opportunity were hard to find, Kamkwamba read about windmills in a library book and dreamed of building one that would bring electricity to his village and improve the lives of his family. At the age of 14, Kamkwamba had to drop out of school and help his family forage for food, but he never let go of his dream. Over a period of several months, using scrap metal, tractor, and bicycle parts, the resourceful young man built a crude yet operable windmill that eventually powered four lights. Soon reports of his "electric wind" project spread beyond the borders of his village, earning him international recognition and, with the help of mentors worldwide, he now attends a high school in South Africa. Verdict Demonstrating the power of imagination, libraries, and books, Kamkwamba's heartwarming memoir, with Mealer's (All Things Must Fight To Live: Stories of War and Deliverance in Congo) contribution, is sure to inspire all readers. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 6/15/09.]-Eva Lautemann, Georgia Perimeter Coll., Clarkston Copyright 2009 Media Source Inc. Copyright 2009 Media Source Inc. ...Log In or Sign Up to Read More