14 Cows for America

Deedy, Carmen Agra.  (2009).  14 cows for america.  Atlanta, Georgia:  Peachtree Publishers.
Bluebonnet Book (2010-2011)

Kimeli is heading back to his village in Kenya.  He has been living in New York where he received a scholarship and is studying to be a doctor.  His people are nomadic cattle herders called the Maasai.  Cows are of the utmost importance to the Maasai.  Kimeli tells his people a story about New York where the fire burned hot, and smoke and dust blocked out the sun.  An elder feels sorry for the people of New York.  Because the cow is a symbol of life for the Maasai, Kimeli offers his only cow to the people of New York.  A diplomat is summoned and goes to the village where 14 cows are presented.  The story Kimeli told to his people is the story of 9/11.  At the very end of this picture book, there is a note from the real Kimeli telling how he witnessed the dramatic events of that day.

Tears welled up in my eyes when I read this picture book.  To think how people so far away could care so much.  They gave the greatest gift they could to people they have never met.  This book had me remembering where I was when 9/11 happened and the feelings I possessed at the time.  It is an emotional book and touching.  The illustrations only add to this book.  They are done with beautiful and rich colors.  A book to add to your collection.