Malden Reads selects “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” for 15th year community read

Malden Reads is excited to announce “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer 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 book 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 that one person’s dream can truly change the world.

World Wildlife Fund CEO Carter Roberts 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, Malden Reads will explore themes like water conservation, gardening for food sources and the importance of teaching science to the next generation. As Malden Reads embarks on this collective reading journey, it invites the community to not only read William Kamkwamba’s story but to reflect on its relevance to our own lives. Malden Reads said, “Together, we can explore how we might bring positive change to our city and beyond, supporting both human and environmental well-being.”

In early 2025, the Malden Reads program will begin. Details on events – book discussions, film screenings and other special events – will be posted as they become available on www.maldenreads.og and on social media (@maldenreads). Books will become 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 favorite local independent booksellers: The Book Oasis (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, Mass., that seeks to answer that question. Organized by community groups, city leaders and residents – in collaboration with the Malden Public Library and Urban Media Arts (UMA) – 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 and an appreciation of city resources, and most of all, to build community in Malden. 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.

To contact Malden Reads 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.