Chapter 1
Describe the setting of the story
William's home is in the countryside where most people are farmers.
What tragic loss do William and his family experience in Chapter 2?
William’s uncle, Uncle John, dies suddenly from tuberculosis, a disease that attacks your lungs.
What examples from this chapter show us that William wants to be a scientist?
William was never happy not knowing how something worked. He was always questioning and thinking about the “why”
Who is William’s closest family member in Chapters 1–3, and how can you tell?
His father, because William listens to his advice and wants his approval.
One major belief shown in Chapters 1–3 is that knowledge comes from where?
Experience, tradition, and observation.
Who are the sing’anga? How does William feel about them?
William is terrified of the sing’anga, the witch doctors of his village. Most people were too poor to see a real doctor, so these “doctors” were respected in the village for their knowledge of magic and health
Who is Khamba and how does William become fond of him?
Khamba is a black-spotted dog who comes to live with William when William’s other uncle, Socrates, loses his job at a tobacco estate
What specific instance helped William discover electricity?
Dynamos-A friend of William’s father had a bike with a headlamp shining. William wondered what made the lamp go on and off with no switch.
How does William describe his father’s role in the family?
His father is the decision-maker and provider who believes in hard work.
What role do magic or superstition play in village life early in the book?
They help explain events people don’t fully understand.
Who are William’s best friends?
Geoffrey and Gilbert- Geoffrey is William’s cousin, Gilbert is the son of the village chief
How does William hunt? What does this tell us about his character?
William finds and creates his own hunting tools. This shows Williams' inventiveness and creativity.
What is the difference between DC and AC current?
DC current only flows in one direction, AC current can change directions.
Which character introduces William to curiosity and learning early in the story?
His father, by encouraging questions and learning from the world around him.
How does William react when others believe in magic or superstition?
He questions it but also understands why people believe it.
Why does William focus on stories about his village and the witch doctors in Chapter 1?
William wants the reader to understand where he comes from and how his culture and the people around him have impacted his decisions and life.
Name three symptoms of tuberculosis
1. a persistent, bad cough lasting three weeks or 2. longer, chest pain, 3. and coughing up blood or phlegm
Why do most people in Malawi not have electricity?
Most do not have enough money to afford it and in order to get electricity there are many hoops to jump through
How do the adults in William’s village generally view children in Chapters 1–3?
They expect children to listen, obey, and learn through observation rather than questioning.
What theme is suggested by William’s constant curiosity?
The importance of learning, questioning, and problem-solving.
What is the relationship between magic and everyday life in Malawi?
Magic and everyday life is deep-rooted, pervasive, and often viewed as a functional part of daily existence rather than mere superstition
According to The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, what was the result of William’s first and only experience with magic?
The experience left William with a throbbing eye, sore hands, and a healthy dose of skepticism regarding magic
How does deforestation impact people’s access to electricity in Malawi?
Many people use firewood as their source of light and heat which means they need lots of trees. Tobacco and maize estates also tear down trees to plant their crops. Without trees and forests covering the land, storms can turn into floods, tearing away soil that helps plants grow.
What does William’s relationship with adults reveal about his personality?
He is curious, observant, and willing to challenge ideas quietly.
How do Chapters 1–3 set up a conflict between tradition and innovation?
People rely on traditional beliefs, while William begins to think scientifically.