The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

I think this book fosters development of processes because it integrate different important aspects that kids need to develop and be aware of. such as, recognize, define, apply, evaluate, design, extend.  Because in the book William did all of that to solve the problem in his community which helps kids develop this sense of responsibility and agency to find solutions to problems.

• Author: William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
• Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon
• Year Published: 2012
• ISBN: 978-0545591881

Science Topics

• Physical Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• 4th Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 6th Grade

Summary

When William Kamkwamba was fourteen year old, his village was hit by a drought and everyone's crops began to fail. so his family did not have enough money for school or food. William spent his time in the library and figured out how to bring electricity to his village. William built a functioning windmill out of junkyard scraps and became the hero that harnessed the wind.

Evaluation

• Authority: High
• Liteary Artistry: High
• Appearance: High

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

I think this book fosters development of processes because it integrate different important aspects that kids need to develop and be aware of. such as, recognize, define, apply, evaluate, design, extend.  Because in the book William did all of that to solve the problem in his community which helps kids develop this sense of responsibility and agency to find solutions to problems.

Does the book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions?

This book  provide an opportunity for kids to ask and answer their own questions because in the book William had limited resources yet he was able to find answers to the question he had by looking and searching on his on.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

William is a young inventor which  helps students to realize that you don't have to be famous, rich, highly educated, or an adult to think of your own solutions to a problems you see around you and take the responsibility to do something about it.

Is the science topic addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson?

Science topic addressed appropriately because in the book it explained what he did to make the windmill and what are they using it for in the village. William as making his own and how will he make it work.

Is the content based on sound scientific principles? Is it accurate?

The content is accurate because it was based on scientific principles that were accurate becauseI searched if the information in the book was scientifically accurate and they were accurate.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book distinguish between fact and fiction because it it showed how he researched when he wanted to find the facts so it shows children the process they need to do in order to find facts.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustration in the book was very clear and accurate because it illustrated the village and the details accurately when i compared it with real images of the village.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

The book is written for 4th to 6th graders because it had a appropriate vocabulary for their level and it covers a science topic that is discussed at their  level.

Is there a multicultural component? Is it free from stereotyping?

the book is multicultural because its setting is in Malawi which gives the children the opportunity to explore energy in other country and through different lenses and it is free from stereotyping because it showed kids that other kids are  learning and discovering like them.

Is the book free from gender bias?

it is free from gender bias because it shows kids how other kids can do and are doing and learning things that they are also learning and doing in their classroom.

Does the book show the close association between science and other disciplines?

the book shows close association between science and other disciplines. Such as, developing sense of agency over their learning and that despite how much their resources are limited they can still doing if they have the persistence  to do so. Also, they will learn live styles in other countries and cultures.

Does the book present a positive attitude toward science and technology?

The author’s spirit and determination carries him through all of these challenges. Along the way we get a picture of the crushing poverty of this region in Africa. There is a picture here that points the way for the promise of new technology. Implementing these new technologies in the creation of wind driven electricity, creative means in the pumping of fresh water and the utilization of biogas production for fuel points the way for a brighter future for the impoverished people in Africa and elsewhere