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patwebb88's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. It was informative into how they live in a third world country that is not as developed; makes you grateful for what we have. It was sad in some places as is reality. Also inspired me to not give up on my dreams.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death, Pandemic/Epidemic, and Death
heathercottledillon's review against another edition
5.0
For me, William's story was a real eye-opener. First of all, it made me realize how much I take for granted: plenty of food, unlimited access to clean water, and resources for keeping my home warm and safe, to name a few, but especially education. In the US, we take it for granted that we'll get at least some kind of schooling (not to say that all the education in America meets the standards it should, but that's another story), and in fact a lot of us complain about having to go to school. William and many other Malawians, on the other hand, aren't guaranteed an education and they treasure every day that they get to spend in school. Reading about William's desperate efforts to stay in school and then to educate himself when he was forced to drop out was a huge inspiration. He demonstrates that there is a ton of talent that is being wasted in impoverished areas because simply living life is too much for some to keep up with. It's amazing that William had the drive and luck to succeed and bring positive change to his community. A couple of other things I liked about the book: it gave me a good idea of how the windmill was built and how it worked without getting super-technical, and I enjoyed William's humorous tone. I recommend this book for everyone!
bibliobrandie's review against another edition
4.0
Amazing story! Didn't love the illustrations, but the story is wonderful.
After a severe drought, crops dried out and a famine killed over ten thousand people. "With no money to pay for school fees, William had to drop out. But instead of sulking around, he began visiting a library..." It was at the library that William read science books and learned that windmills create electricity. He built a windmill at age 14 for his community out of trash.
After a severe drought, crops dried out and a famine killed over ten thousand people. "With no money to pay for school fees, William had to drop out. But instead of sulking around, he began visiting a library..." It was at the library that William read science books and learned that windmills create electricity. He built a windmill at age 14 for his community out of trash.
tenderthunder970611's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
4.75
Very interesting read. Inspired by William’s life and I feel humbled by how much he has achieved with what little resources he had. Love that he was given opportunities.
fbroom's review against another edition
4.0
William is a curious kid, being poor didn't stop him from achieving his goals and dreams. He persisted and tried harder and harder month after month to collect all the pieces and all the knowledge he needed to make his windmill. He should definitely be an inspiration for us all.
stormblessedsonofthrain's review against another edition
5.0
This was one of the best books I have ever read
ktembreull's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
medium-paced
4.0
marde_reads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
3.75