Summary: In this picture book, the Maasai tribe is devastated to hear about the tragedy that the America people faced during 9/11. They take it upon themselves to offer something to the America people. The gather the most sacred thing in their tribe, the cow. These cows will always be protected by the Maasai people. They invite the United States ambassador to their village to offer their gift.
Citation: Deedy, C.A. (2009). 14 cows for america. Atlanta: Peachtree Publishers.
Impressions: This book represents the best of human kindness and generosity through the Maasai people. It is much more than a picture book itself. I especially appreciate the authors notes in the back of the book. These notes take a deeper look into the importance of the cow to the Massi people. This is a lovely book that should be read to all ages.
Reviews:
"What can the Maasai do to help thousands of souls lost? Unlike in the picture book Muktar and the Camels (2009), also set in East Africa, the tone here is too reverential, and the characters have little individual identity. But based on Naiyomah’s true experiences, the words and the glowing mixed-media illustrations show empathy and connections across communities, with close-up portraits of the Maasai on the savannah at work with their cows under the open sky, their rituals, their sorrow for New York’s tragedy, and their heartfelt generosity. In a reversal from the usual international aid story, here it is the U.S. that gets help from a developing country as the villagers donate 14 sacred cows to America."-Hazel Rochman
Rochamn, H. (2009).14 cows for america (book review). Booklist, 105(21). Retrieved from Children’s Comprehensive Literature Database.
"To the Maasai, the cow is life.” The nomadic life of these once feared warriors depends on their cows as the herds sustain their survival. In this collaboratively told true story, the cow also represents hope for post 9-11 America as the Maasai people share their grief and give 14 cows as their symbol of comfort, peace, and life."-Janelle B. Mathis
Mathis, J. (2010).14 cows for america (book review). WOW Review: Reading Across Cultures, 2(2). Retrieved from Children’s Comprehensive Literature Database
Library Setting: In the library, there are several different programs that could be presented. Children or students could make traditional Maasai jewelery from beads and string. A programmer could also present a special presentation about the Maasai people. This would entail the importance of the color red, cows, and community to this people group. This would also be a great book to read during a study of other cultures in a classroom setting.
