The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Malden Reads is excited to announce The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba as the 2025 Community Read selection. Hailed as “a moving and exciting story” by former Vice President Al Gore, this inspiring memoir aims to bring the Malden community together to explore themes of innovation, sustainability, and the power of perseverance.

Set in drought-stricken Malawi, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind tells the remarkable story of a young boy who, despite immense challenges, used his ingenuity to bring electricity and water to his village. William Kamkwamba, faced with food scarcity and limited resources, dreamed of harnessing the power of wind energy after learning about windmills in school textbooks. Undeterred by the skepticism of his fellow villagers, who called him “misala” (crazy), William’s relentless determination and creativity transformed his community, proving the impact that one person can make.

Carter Roberts, CEO of World Wildlife Fund (WWF), praised the book, calling it “a testament to the power of a dream and the freedom that comes from accomplishing a sustainable way of life.” Roberts emphasized how its message resonates more strongly than ever today, as communities around the world, including right here in Malden, face the impacts of climate change and food insecurity. “Read this book, act on its message, and pass it on,” Roberts urged.

Malden Reads will use The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind to spark meaningful conversations about sustainability and innovation. Through partnerships with community groups, we will explore themes such as water conservation, gardening for food sources, and the importance of teaching science to the next generation.

As we embark on this collective reading journey, Malden Reads invites the community to not only read William Kamkwamba’s story but to reflect on its relevance to our own lives. Together, we can explore how we might bring positive change to our city and beyond, supporting both human and environmental well-being.

The Malden Reads program will begin in early 2025. Details on events, including book discussions, film screenings, and other special events, will be posted as they become available on this website and on social media (@maldenreads). Also, sign up for our e-newsletter at the link below to keep abreast of the program. 

Books will be available for checkout from the Malden Public Library in early 2025. Books are also available for purchase from The Gallery@57, a unique retail store in Malden run cooperatively by local artists. Books may also be purchased from our favorite local independent booksellers, The Book Oasis, located in Stoneham, and Molly’s Bookstore in Melrose.

“What if all of Malden reads the same book?” Malden Reads is a community reading program in Malden, MA that seeks to answer that question. Organized by community groups, city leaders, and residents, in collaboration with the Malden Public Library and UMA (Urban Media Arts), the program invites the community of Malden to read the same book and participate in a series of events related to the book’s themes. The goals of the program are to promote literacy, a love of reading, an appreciation of city resources, and most of all, to build community in the city of Malden.

Other languages as well as an e-book and audio versions will also be available. In addition to the main book selection each year, Malden Reads selects companion books for younger readers and English language learners so that everyone can participate in the annual program.

Malden Reads distributes free books and resources to schools, community programs, and “Little Free Libraries” in Malden, offers the books in quantity and in a variety of formats for lending through the Malden Public Library, and provides sales of books at local events and locations. To contact the committee with questions about the book, to collaborate on a program, to volunteer, or to be added to the email newsletter list, please email maldenreads@gmail.com.