Part 1 - Prologue, Chapters 1 and 2 Summary and Analysis

This book is the inspiring autobiography of a Malawian teenager who, in spite of the challenges posed by drought, famine and poverty, designed and built a functioning electrical system in his family home and, as a result, became internationally recognized for his innovative work. As the narrative details the determination with which young William Kamkwamba struggled to make his dreams a reality, it also explores themes related to the value of friendship and the tension between magic and science.

Prologue - A crowd, curious and noisy, gathers to watch as the author/narrator readies the tower, and the wheels and arms at its top, for a trial run. William climbs the tower, (see "Quotes," p. 2) and frees the bladed wheel at the top. Its arms spin faster, the author prays for it to...