(2) 4-6 When heavy rains, then drought, hit Malawi, young William Kamkwamba used his scientific ingenuity to make a windmill and help people in need. Soon he dreamed of conquering darkness, pumping water to the villages, and fighting hunger. This young readers' edition of the same-titled adult memoir offers an inspiring, well-told true tale of one young man's passion for science making his world better.

Reviewer: Dean Schneider | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2015

(4) K-3 This book's author tells how the Jumbo Foundation, the large-animal rescue organization that she runs in Malawi, cared for an orphaned baby elephant named Moses. Charming photos show Moses living with Perepeczko's family. The "true story" text misses a mark in not clarifying for young readers fact from fiction ("'This is fun,' thought Moses"), but the approach may nonetheless be appealing.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(3) 4-6 Clare Silver must be the only girl in America whose father could think he can take her mind off her mother's death by dragging her to Malawi, the "warm heart of Africa." And just when Clare starts to feel like she's fitting in, another tragedy strikes. Well-drawn characters and a unique setting will not only make readers care about Clare's life but perhaps re-evaluate their own.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon. This junior version of the best-seller for adults describes how fourteen-year-old William Kamkwamba saves his drought-blighted Malawi village: after teaching himself English and reading science books at a library donated by "the Americans," he creates a windmill from odd parts. It's an amazing, emboldening story honored by the handsome oil paint and cut-paper illustrations, which call to mind quilts.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(2) 4-6 A long, dusty bus ride brings newly orphaned Sam to a Malawi village. There he must adjust to sleeping on the floor and sharing his few possessions. When his prized blue sneakers disappear, Sam jumps to conclusions, then learns a lesson about humility. Michael portrays a country besieged by the AIDS epidemic while its people press on with their daily lives.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2009