14 Cows for America

14 Cows for America

by Carmen Agra Deedy , Thomas González (Illustrator) , Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah (Afterword)

Peachtree Publishers, 2009

Summary:  In this true story, Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah returns to his home tribe the Maasai in Kenya from New York City after the attacks of 9/11.  Listening to him describe the tragedy, his tribe decides to donate a cow (their most important of possessions) to the United States of America, which later grows to 14 cows.  The pictures are vibrant, providing much cultural information.  The afterword by Naiyomah himself provides information about the fate of the cows. 

Lesson:  I read this story on anniversary of 9/11.  Many of my students had not yet been born, and had lots of questions--turning this into a history lesson.  We also talked about the importance of tolerance between peoples.  Finally, we talked about doing something for someone that is sad, like the tribe did for the sad American people.  We discussed scenarios of how even little people like kids could help a sad parent, sibling, or friend. 

Level:  1st-5th