14 Cows for America
by Carmen Agra Deedy

After returning to his home in Kenya during the summer of 2002, Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah shares the story of heartache that America was experiencing after the tragedies of September 11th. The Maasai people believe that in order to take away another's pain, you should give them something close to your own heart. Cows are a most revered animal to this tribe. Wanting to help carry the burden of so much sadness in America, the Maasai generously give fourteen cows as a symbol of their goodwill.

Intrigued by the title, I had no idea of how deeply I would be impacted by this book. The story is a true testament to the power and goodness inside people all over the world, despite the horrors of 911. The illustrations are breathtaking and even after reading the book several times, I still find intricate details I had not seen before. The last picture of the Twin Towers reflected in the young Maasai warrior's eye is an image I won't soon forget. I have waited a long time for someone to create a book for young readers that would share a bit of hope after the tragedies we faced that fateful day. I am so glad we finally have one and I can't wait to share it with my students next school year.

Please visit http://www.14cowsforamerica.com/ for more details about the story. You can also view a book trailer here.

2010-2011 Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee