The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope by William Kamkwamba

 

This is the autobiographical account of William Kamkwamba's life in drought-stricken Malawi.  When William was 14, his family -- who farmed for a living -- began to feel the impacts of the drought and the lack of food as a result.  William felt he should do something and was curious about "electric wind."  Thus began his quest to discover all he could about this form of energy.  Using borrowed library books and items from junk piles, he began to build a windmill.  This is a story of his determination and perseverance to do something to change the life of his family and the lives of those in his village.

Find it: APL Teen Nonfiction YA BIO Kamkwamba, William .K35 2010

I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai

 

Malala is a young woman who is wise beyond her years.  She had been outspoken about her belief that Pakistani women should have the same access to education as their male counterparts.  As a result, on October 9, 2012, she was shot by a member of the Taliban while riding the bus home from school.  Miraculously, she survived and is the youngest nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize.  This is her story.

 

To place this book on hold, click here:  http://minerva.maine.edu/record=i6269922