14 Cows for America

In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, people around the world mourned with America and the terrorist attack which claimed so many lives.

However, one tribe in Kenya did more than mourn.  When one of their own returned home for a visit from America, the tribe decided to give 14 of their cows to America.

To Americans, it seems like a nice, but rather meaningless gesture.  The beauty of 14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy, in collaboration with Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah, is that Deedy explains the importance of the gift, and how the Maasai’s gift brought our two cultures together.

Beautifully illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez, this book helps bring hope to the devastation of September 11th.

One note, Deedy does not go into detail about the terrorist attacks, so you may need to explain what happened that day while reading this book.  She gives enough detail that most children will be satisfied, but not the most curious ones.