KS1/LKS2 non-fiction about William Kamkwamba, the Malawian inventor and engineeer.
NF 621.092
Primary Themed 620 Machines
Frances Lincoln
Hardback Apr 2025 9781836005186
203 x 248 x 11 (mm)
32  pages
 
Discover the life of William Kamkwamba, the Malawian inventor and engineer, who overcame poverty and famine to build windmills from recycled materials that brought electricity to his village. Little William grew up in a small village in Malawi. His parents were farmers, so every day after school William and his six sisters helped them tend the corn.

One year, it rained so little that the fields dried up and William's family could hardly pick any corn. With not much to eat and unable to afford school, William had to quit studying. But William refused to stop learning.

So, whenever he had the chance, he went to the library. One day, he found a book that gave him a great idea: using the wind to make electricity and pump water for the corn! Of course, building a windmill from scratch was no easy task, but William was determined to make it happen. And he did.

As soon as the wind started blowing, the blades began to turn and the tiny light bulb that William held in his hands lit up. It was an invention that would eventually bring water to the corn in his village and transform life for people across Malawi. This thoughtful book features quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of William’s life.

His story shows the importance of resourcefulness and the power of education, and the ability to overcome challenges, inspiring children to think creatively and make a positive impact in their communities. Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling biography series for kids that explores the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream.