14 Cows for America

This New York Times bestseller recounts the true story of the touching gift bestowed on the US by the Maasai people in the wake of the September 11 attacks.

In June of 2002, a mere nine months since the September 11 attacks, 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.

Hearts are raw as these legendary Maasai warriors offer their gift to a grieving people half a world away. Word of the gift will travel newswires around the globe, and for the heartsick American nation, the gift of fourteen cows emerges from the choking dust and darkness as a soft light of hope?and friendship.

With stunning paintings from Thomas Gonzalez, master storyteller Carmen Agra Deedy (in collaboration with Naiyomah) hits all the right notes in this elegant story of generosity that crosses boundaries, nations, and cultures.

Author: Carmen Agra Deedy
Publisher: Peachtree Publishers
Published: 08/04/2009
Pages: 36
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.15lbs
Size: 10.10h x 11.80w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9781561454907
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.1
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 133355 / 14 Cows for America


Award: Bluebonnet Awards - Nominee
Award: Beehive Awards - Nominee
Award: Parents Choice Awards (Fall) (2008-Up) - Gold Medal Winner
Award: Black-Eyed Susan Award - Nominee
Award: Colorado Children's Book Award - Nominee
Award: E.B. White Read Aloud Award - Honor Book
Award: Cybils - Finalist
Award: Land of Enchantment Book Award - Nominee
Award: North Carolina Children's Book Award - Nominee
Award: Volunteer State Book Awards - Nominee
Award: South Carolina Childrens, Junior and Young Adult Book Award - Nominee
Award: Georgia Children's Book Award - Nominee
Award: Young Hoosier Book Award - Nominee
Award: California Young Reader Medal - Nominee


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Review - Children 07/01/2009
Booklist 07/01/2009 pg. 57
Publishers Weekly 08/03/2009 pg. 45
School Library Journal 08/01/2009 pg. 89
New York Times Book Review 11/08/2009 pg. 15
New York Times Book Review 11/15/2009 pg. 26
Christian Century 12/15/2009 pg. 26
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2010 pg. 179 - Recommended, Satisfactory
Foreword 08/17/2009

About the Author
Carmen Agra Deedy is a New York Times best-selling author and renowned storyteller. Her books have received numerous awards and honors. Carmen has performed in many prestigious venues, but children are her favorite audience. Born in Havana, Cuba, she came to the United States as a refugee and like most immigrants sees the world from multiple perspectives. She lives in Georgia.

Thomas Gonzalez is an illustrator, designer, and portrait artist. A native of Cuba, he came to the United States when he was ten years old. He studied at the Atlanta School of Art (now called Savannah of Art and Design). After working at the Coca-Cola Company for more than twenty years, Tom held several creative positions with other global brands. He has illustrated many picture books, including the New York Times best-seller 14 Cows for America. He lives in Georgia.

Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah received his Master of Science degree in molecular biology from Stanford University in 2008. He was awarded a Rotary International World Peace Fellowship and completed studies in international development policy at Duke University. He lives in California.