A true story about the perils of turning eighteen and aging out of the foster care system--written by the man who lived it.

Now a Netflix film starring and directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor, this is a gripping memoir of survival and perseverance about the heroic young inventor who brought electricity to his Malawian village. When a terrible drought struck William Kamkwamba's tiny village in Malawi, his family lost all of the season's crops, leaving them with nothing to eat and nothing to sell. William began to explore science books in his village library, looking for a solution. There, he came up with the idea that would change his family's life forever: he could build a windmill. Made out of scrap metal and old bicycle parts, William's windmill brought electricity to his home and helped his family pump the water they needed to farm the land. Retold for a younger audience, this exciting memoir shows how, even in a desperate situation, one boy's brilliant idea can light up the world. Complete with photographs, illustrations, and an epilogue that will bring readers up to date on William's story, this is the perfect edition to read and share with the whole family.

At the age of nine, Alton Carter left home and walked himself into foster care with a dream of someday having a normal life. Not a fancy life. Not a famous life. But what once was the American dream: a place to call home that was warm in the winter and bearable in the summer, with regular meals and a loving family that made sure children made it to school on time each day. Building on his award-winning book The Boy Who Carried Bricks, Carter shares more of his own personal childhood stories of trial and survival, making the case that youngsters from such homes should be seen for what they are: not victims but survivors-for they have overcome abuse, neglect, and vio-lence that would cripple most adults.

It has been a while since Folks lived in the Big House, and an even longer time has passed since there has been a garden at the House. All the animals of the Hill are very excited about the new Folks moving in, and they wonder how things are going to change. It’s only a matter of time before the animals of the Hill find out just who is moving in, and they may be a little bit surprised when they do.

The second book in "The Boy Who" series, The Boy Who Went to the Library is the story of the author, little Alton, finding amazing inspiration at the local library. Encouraged by his teacher, he travels to the local library to discover new worlds only found in one's imagination through reading books. Beautifully illustrated, this book helps children to see the value of reading and visiting the library.

Abandoned by his father, neglected by his mother, shuttled between foster homes and a boys ranch for most of his formative years, a young man refuses to succumb to the fate that the world says should be his. Early on, Alton decides he wants a "nor­mal life"--even if that means standing up to abusive relatives and being teased by his siblings and their friends. Along the way, he keeps an eye out for those who might help lighten the load, never losing hope that such people exist.