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14 Cows for America
PIn June of 2002, a very unusual ceremony begins in a far-flung village in western Kenya. An American diplomat is surrounded by hundreds of Maasai people. A gift is about to be bestowed on the American men, women, and children, and he is there to accept it. The gift is as unsought and unexpected as it is extraordinary. A mere nine months have passed since the September 1...more
Hardcover, 36 pages
Published
August 1st 2009
by Peachtree Publishers
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It's difficult to think of a topic more widely canvassed, in recent years, than the events of September 11, 2001, and the causes, meanings, and ramifications thereof. Everyone - from the "pride goeth before a fall" lot, who blame U.S. foreign policy for the attacks, to the "clash of civilizations" crowd, who look to the inherent evil of the cultures and religion which produced the terrorists for a cause - has an opinion. It may sound odd, given the current omnipresence of thi...more
L12_Marie Schiller Schiller
rated it
Carmen Agra Deedy’s 14 Cows For American is the true heart-wrenching story of Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah, an African medical student studying in New York when the twin towers burned on 911. He returns to his Maasai tribe and retells the story in the hopes that the elders will bless the cow he worked so hard to purchase for his mother but now decides to give to America. As Kimeli Naiyomah explains, his tribe taught him that, ”to heal the pain in someone’s heart, you give something that is close to y...more
This is a beautifully illustrated nonfiction picture book about Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah, a Kenyan who comes to the United States to study. He finds himself in New York City the day of the 911 terrorist attack. He is so moved by this tragedy that when he returns to Kenya, he shares this story with his native Masai tribesmen. They are fierce warriors but have kind hearts that are so moved when they hear of this story, they offer the only thing they have...14 cows. This is a heartrendering story...more
Jeff
rated it
Recommends it for:
everyone
Recommended to Jeff by:
found it on the library shelves
Shelves:
history-american,
favorites
"There is no nation so powerful it cannot be wounded, nor a people so small they cannot offer mighty comfort."
So it was that the Maasai people of Kenya donated 14 cows to the United States of America in remembrance of the September 11th attack. This unique and distinctive picture book gives the reader the how and why of possibly the most sincere, apolitical, generous offer of friendship between completely different peoples to come out of the 9-11 tragedy.
The il...more
So it was that the Maasai people of Kenya donated 14 cows to the United States of America in remembrance of the September 11th attack. This unique and distinctive picture book gives the reader the how and why of possibly the most sincere, apolitical, generous offer of friendship between completely different peoples to come out of the 9-11 tragedy.
The il...more
Description:
In June of 2002, a very unusual ceremony begins in a far-flung village in western Kenya.
An American diplomat is surrounded by hundreds of Maasai people. A gift is about to be bestowed upon the American men, women, and children, and he is there to accept it. The gift is as unexpected as it is extraordinary.
A mere nine months have passed since the September 11 attacks, and hearts are raw. Tears flow freely from American and Maasai as these legendary warrio...more
In June of 2002, a very unusual ceremony begins in a far-flung village in western Kenya.
An American diplomat is surrounded by hundreds of Maasai people. A gift is about to be bestowed upon the American men, women, and children, and he is there to accept it. The gift is as unexpected as it is extraordinary.
A mere nine months have passed since the September 11 attacks, and hearts are raw. Tears flow freely from American and Maasai as these legendary warrio...more
What a beautiful story of human compassion and sacrifice. 14 Cows for America tells the story of a young man,Kimeli, who belongs to the Maasai, nomadic hunters who live in a small village in Kenya. He has left his beloved village to study in America. While in New York City, he experiences the devastation of September 11th. It breaks his heart, and in his desire to share hope with those who lost so much, he vows to sacrifice his only cow. Cows to the Maasai are life. They raise them and lov...more
My Thoughts:
Whew! What a life-affirming story! It gives you hope for the world.
The pictures are up close and personal. The text is vivid and rings with compassion for the world.
Here’s the story, if you don’t know it: A Kenyan wins a scholarship to go to America and become a doctor. While he is there, he experiences 9/11. He returns to his people, a tribe once renowned as warriors but who are now known as master cow herders. The tribe feels great sorrow when the youn...more
Whew! What a life-affirming story! It gives you hope for the world.
The pictures are up close and personal. The text is vivid and rings with compassion for the world.
Here’s the story, if you don’t know it: A Kenyan wins a scholarship to go to America and become a doctor. While he is there, he experiences 9/11. He returns to his people, a tribe once renowned as warriors but who are now known as master cow herders. The tribe feels great sorrow when the youn...more
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As with any tragedy, in the years following the wake of September 11th a spate of books came out discussing, dissecting, and generally trying to make sense of what occurred. In this the children’s literary world and the adult literary world were very much alike. Picture books in particular took a great deal of interest in making the events palatable to young impressionable minds. The results were mixed. The general consensus was to write titles that focused on the human moments that surroun...more
This picture book is the touching true story of the response of a Maasai man living in America on September 11th. Our losses and devastation on that day prompted him and many tribal elders in Kenya to give the most precious thing they had as a symbol of support and comfort to America - cows.
The story is simply and powerfully told, and the illustrations are lush. The one that grabbed me the most had to be the two page spread at the end with a close-up of Kimeli's eye which has the twin...more
The story is simply and powerfully told, and the illustrations are lush. The one that grabbed me the most had to be the two page spread at the end with a close-up of Kimeli's eye which has the twin...more
Bluebonnet 2010-2011
There are many stories of sacrifice and giving that sprung from the events of September 11, 2001 that we in America have not heard about yet. This story tells of a tribe in Kenya who gave what they could to support those that perished or helped during that terrible day, 14 cows. In this tribe cows are considered sacred. Cows give life and this tribe has done what it can do for a country that helped support one of their own in bettering himself. It is a heartfelt s...more
There are many stories of sacrifice and giving that sprung from the events of September 11, 2001 that we in America have not heard about yet. This story tells of a tribe in Kenya who gave what they could to support those that perished or helped during that terrible day, 14 cows. In this tribe cows are considered sacred. Cows give life and this tribe has done what it can do for a country that helped support one of their own in bettering himself. It is a heartfelt s...more
14 Cows for America is a moving story about people caring for others and serving as light in a dark time. The Maasai people of Africa gave a precious gift to the people of America when they learned of the events of September 11, 2001. To them, the cow represented life, so they gave fourteen cows to America. These cows were blessed and can never be slaughtered. They represent life in a time of sadness, grief, and death.
Since many elementary school children do not remember what h...more
Since many elementary school children do not remember what h...more
One nation is mourning and another one wants to help--but this is not your everyday international aid story. A young man named Kimeli returns home to his Maasai village in Kenya with a story to tell. The story is about the events that took place in New York City, September 11, 2001. The Maasai people are moved by the story and want to offer a gesture of comfort and friendship. The gift connects two cultures in a very special way.
14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy (Illustrated...more
14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy (Illustrated...more
Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah found himself in New York on 9/11. A student in the United States he was far away from his home in Kenya. When he returned home. Moved to do something for the many people who lost loved ones on that terrible day he seeks a blessing from the elders of his tribe. He tells his story to them and asks for him to bless his most prized posession, his cow. The American Ambassador is summoned to their small village and Kimel's gift go America has grown from 1 to 14 as other members...more
This book tells the true story of a Maasai boy studying in America who has returned to Africa for a visit. He tells his people the story of the World Trade Center bombings. His village decided to dedicate fourteen cows to America. To the Maasai, the cattle mean life, and the people bless the cows to take away some of the pain from the 9/11 tragedy. This book is visually stunning with richly saturated reds and blues that would be engaging for story time. This story subtly shows the importanc...more
This book is a combination of great writing, beautiful illustrations in pastel, airbrush, and colored pencil, and a wonderful story, but one that unfortunately may be lost on the intended age group. 14 Cows for America tells the story of the Maasai people's donation of cows to the United States after 9/11. Children 8-10 who will appreciate the bold, rich colors in the illustrations and the smoothly flowing story may not be able to relate to the emotional tone of the story since they are not of...more
"To heal the pain in someone's heart, you give them something that is close to your own heart." This is a very powerful book, especially the note from the real Kimeli at the end of the story. I think that the actual story itself might be difficult for some children to understand, but by activating schema about the 9/11 attacks, they might understand that the cows represent an enormous gesture of empathy and kindness. I would imagine most American citizens are unaware of the gift from...more
14 Cows for America is a story of the humble givings of a Maasai tribe in Africa. Kimeli a member of the tribe comes to visit them while on break from American college. He tells the story of 9/11 and the Maasai were so moved that they provided a valuable gift they can only give to the US Embassy Diplomat when he comes to visit.
The last page made me cry. It made me think that it doesn't matter where we live we are still the same in going through hardships and kind givings. The illus...more
The last page made me cry. It made me think that it doesn't matter where we live we are still the same in going through hardships and kind givings. The illus...more
Becky
rated it
Okay, I didn't cry until the dedications page at the end. This unusual September 11 story is told by storyteller Carmen Agra Deedy (who "came to the United States as a refugee and like most immigrants sees the world from multiple perspectives"), illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez (whose use of the color red is stunning, and whose characters lock eyes with yours), and conceived by Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah (who told the story of September 11 to his Maasai tribe, prompting them to wonder what t...more
This exquisitely illustrated picture book is a heart-warming (the more so because it is true) tale of a young Massai man who felt driven to do something to comfort the American people in the wake of September 11. He tells his village elders what has happened and they, too, want to help. And that is how the people of the United States come to possess a small herd of blessed Kenyan cattle still cared for on our behalf by the same remote village of Massai. We all should learn from the generosity...more
Renfrew
rated it
Very few people knew of the Maasai tribe's gesture to the United States after the tragedy of 9/11 -- a gift of 14 cows. As Deedy observes:
"Once they were feared warrirors. Now they live peacably as nomadic cattle herders. They treat their cows as kindly as they do their children. /They sing to them. They give them names. They shelter the young ones in their homes. Without the herd, the tribe might starve./ To the Maasai, the cow is life."
I could never read th...more
"Once they were feared warrirors. Now they live peacably as nomadic cattle herders. They treat their cows as kindly as they do their children. /They sing to them. They give them names. They shelter the young ones in their homes. Without the herd, the tribe might starve./ To the Maasai, the cow is life."
I could never read th...more
Mylinh
rated it
Beautiful, emotional book about the compassion a Massai village felt for the US after 9/11 and the touching tribute they created. A great book to share with children about compassion, world culture and the world impact of 9/11.
Parents Choice Gold award
Non-fiction
Starred Review. Grade 2–5—Kimeli Naiyomah returned home to his Maasai village from New York City with news of 9/11 terrorist attacks. His story prompted the villagers to give a heartfelt gift to help America hea...more
Parents Choice Gold award
Non-fiction
Starred Review. Grade 2–5—Kimeli Naiyomah returned home to his Maasai village from New York City with news of 9/11 terrorist attacks. His story prompted the villagers to give a heartfelt gift to help America hea...more
Jackie
rated it
Shelves:
animals-cows,
5012,
children-fiction,
friendship,
picture-books,
kenya,
compassion,
bluestem-nominee-2012
Gorgeous, breathtaking illustrations accompany this true story of compassion and healing from one people to another. Kimeli traveling back to his homeland of Kenya, tells his people of the tragedy that happened in his adopted home, New York on September 11. While in the United States studying to be a doctor, Kimeli saw the devastation and destruction that terrorists brought to the American people. His people, being compassionate and caring, gave their 14 of their beloved cows to the American Dip...more
Fabulous book for 9/11 anniversary. I can't believe that I never heard about this 9 years ago. The Maasai tribe in Kenya, upon learning of the 9/11 tragedy, gave America 14 cows. To the Maasai, cows are life. I am reminded of the lesson of the widow's mite (Mark 12:41-44). These people gave their lifeblood to help heal the hearts of many. This is a children's picture book, but I highly recommend it to all. Check out this video at http://readkiddoread.ning.com/video/14-c... Deedy has once again d...more
Kimeli grew up in Kenya in the Maasai tribe. He won a scholarship to study in America. He was in New York City on September 11th, 2001. He saw the devastating events of that day and he wanted to do something to help. In his tribe, the cow is life. He returned to Kenya and his people were so moved by the story of that tragic day that his tribe blessed 14 cows and held a ceremony for the American ambassador that accepted the cows.
This true account is extremely moving and the Maasai pe...more
This true account is extremely moving and the Maasai pe...more
Illustrator: Thomas Gonzalez
Age: all ages
Summary: Kimeli Naiyomah travels home to his village after being in New York for 9/11 and tells them of the tragedy of that day. They decide to do something for the people of America.
Applications/Uses: Good book to read on 9/11 to show how the day impacted the world, not only our country, could be a great book to use during an exploration of multicultural texts, a book to read when exploring true stories adapted into story books.
Themes...more
Age: all ages
Summary: Kimeli Naiyomah travels home to his village after being in New York for 9/11 and tells them of the tragedy of that day. They decide to do something for the people of America.
Applications/Uses: Good book to read on 9/11 to show how the day impacted the world, not only our country, could be a great book to use during an exploration of multicultural texts, a book to read when exploring true stories adapted into story books.
Themes...more
"The villagers' subsequent actions: the tribe elders bless 14 cows, revered in Maasai culture, and symbolically offer them to the American people to help them heal. Featuring luminous images of the Maasai in vivid native dress and sweeping African landscapes, Gonzalez's pastel, colored pencil and airbrush paintings appear almost three-dimensional in their realism. A moving tale of compassion and generosity." Publishers Weekly
Beautiful book with a message that older children...more
Beautiful book with a message that older children...more
The illustrations are amazing. This book introduces the Kenyan tribe: the Masai. I personally connected with this text as I was able to visit a couple Masai tribes during my travels. This book had an interesting twist I was not expecting, it was about the September 11th Tragedy. The main character is studying in America to become a doctor when the tragedy happened. It shares with the reader what this culture thought of this event. Very cool story idea....again the images are amazing.
A young man from Kenya returns home after studying in New York. He shares with his village the horrors he witnessed on 9/11. Moved to do something for the grieving American people, the young man gives his most prized possession: a cow. Wanting to make an even grander gesture, the elders decide to make the gift a total of 14 cows. A good story to share with kids to show how different cultures value different things and that every culture shows kindness in their own way.
This book was nominated for the Colorado Children's Book Award this year, so I bought it for my library collection. I read all the CCBA nominees to my Kinders, but this one was the least well received. They didn't really have the skills to infer what happened in the story, or the understanding of 9/11 to care about the cows. I think this would be a good book to use with older grades. The pictures were also very beautiful... it just didn't work with my Kinders.
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Carmen Agra Deedy is an internationally known author of children’s literature, a storyteller and radio contributor. Born in Havana, Cuba, she immigrated to the United States with her family in 1963 after the Cuban Revolution. Deedy grew up in Decatur, Georgia and currently lives in Atlanta and has three daughters.
More about Carmen Agra Deedy...
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“Because there is no nation so powerful it cannot be wounded, nor a people so small they cannot offer mighty comfort.”
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