by Mack Keating
Continuing its tradition of highlighting powerful stories that challenge perspectives and inspire change, Malden Reads announced its 2025 Book of the Year. The chosen selection, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, tells a true story of resilience, innovation, and the transformative power of education.
Set in Malawi in Africa, the story follows young Kamkwamba’s journey during a devastating drought in 2001 that left families across the country facing severe hunger. Forced to leave school because of financial hardship, Kamkwamba refused to let his circumstances hold him back. In a 2009 TED Talk, Kamkwamba shared how he found hope in his local library, reading as many science books as he could get his hands on. Not knowing much English at the time, he relied on pictures, graphs, and context clues to “learn the words around them.”
In one of the books he read, he learned of a windmill, which could be used to pump water and generate electricity: “Pump water meant irrigation, a defense against hunger,” he recalled.
Kamkwamba resolved to build a windmill to bring electricity and water to his community. With no money to buy materials, he scavenged a scrapyard, collecting a tractor fan, shock absorber, PVC pipe, and bicycle generator. Utilizing these scraps, he constructed a functioning windmill that transformed life in his village.
The 2025 book announcement marks the culmination of a months-long selection process involving extensive reading and discussions among Malden Reads committee members.
To make this decision, the committee received recommendations from the community. Together, they read through books that passed their general broad qualifications and then narrowed down the choices to determine which one would make it to the final selection.
“It takes a good couple of months to get our top five book selection,” noted Jodie Zalk, co-facilitator, co-founder, and coordinator of Malden Reads.
Linda Zalk, co-founder of Malden Reads, explained, “We spend a lot of time reading books and figuring out what will work best for Malden. It’s not a light task, but it’s always rewarding.”
Last year’s choice, Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist, was celebrated for its raw honesty and empowering narrative of disability rights activism. It sparked vital conversations about inclusion and advocacy, setting a high bar for this year’s selection.
For Being Heumann, Jodie Zalk felt the book just “clicked,” but even as the committee narrowed down the final five choices this year, she felt unsure of where to proceed. That was when Karen Buck suggested a book they had not talked about yet: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.
“This is a story about hope, about resourcefulness, about innovation,” described Buck, a committee member who played a pivotal role in the selection process. “But it’s also about what you can accomplish when you push through and think outside the box.”
Buck’s connection to the book began 14 years ago when she first read it with her son. She described it as a book that left a lasting impact on her, even years later. In the 14 years since her first read-through, “I forgot how devastating the suffering of the drought and the famine were,” Buck confessed.
Towards the beginning of their conversations, the book was added to a list of more than 40 books but received no further attention. Months later, in September, Buck recalled that the book “came to me in a dream, and I just knew it was the one.” She brought it up during the next meeting, and a few conversations later, the book was officially chosen.
She emphasized that the book’s themes deeply resonate with the program’s goals: “It’s about what one person can do with their resources, their ingenuity, and their belief in themselves.” The book’s themes of education, sustainability, and resilience align with the community’s values, which will serve as a foundation for this year’s programming.
“Every year, we hope the book we choose will open up new ways of thinking for people,” Linda Zalk reflected. “This year, we’re inviting people to explore what’s possible when we embrace creativity and persistence, even in the face of overwhelming odds.”
With several events in the works aligning with this book choice, Jodie Zalk urges readers to look inward.
“We hope this story will inspire people to think about what they can accomplish in their own lives, even with limited resources,” she detailed. “It’s not just a story about overcoming challenges; it’s about the ingenuity and determination that we all have within us.”
Malden’s diversity is considered one of its greatest strengths, and Malden Reads reflects that by ensuring the annual book selection is accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds, and reading levels.
This year, the book’s straightforward narrative and universal themes make it relatable to a broad audience.
To further increase accessibility, Malden Reads incorporates a range of complementary materials and partner books, including a picture book adaption of Kamkwamba’s story. The illustrated version offers the youngest readers an opportunity to connect with the same powerful tale in an age-appropriate format.
“It’s a way to bring families into the conversation,” explained Linda Zalk.
“By providing different versions of the story, we ensure that everyone, no matter their age or reading level, can engage with these important themes.”
“Lyrically told and gloriously illustrated, this story will inspire many as it shows how – even in the worst of times – a great idea and a lot of hard work can still rock the world,” described publishing company Penguin Random House.
As Malden Reads gears up for a year of events centered on Kamkwamba’s incredible journey, the committee is excited to see how the community will connect with his story.
“This is a story that stays with you,” Linda Zalk professed. “It reminds us of what’s possible when we work together and never give up.”
The community is invited to the 2025 Malden Reads kickoff celebration to be held Monday, February 10 from 6:30 – 8:30pm at the new Bread of Life facility on Eastern Ave. There will be live music, community tables, food, fun and an engaging presentation. Details and free registration are at this link.
This story was written by Malden High School student Mack Keating and originally appeared in the Malden High School Blue & Gold news publication.
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