Author: Carmen Agra Deedy Illustrator: Thomas Gonzalez
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Peachtree Publishers
Age Level: 9-12 and up
Reading Levels:
o Fountas & Pinnell–S Nonfiction
o Lexile – Adult Directed 540
o Accelerated Reader – 4.1
Pages: 36 (hardcover)
Genre: Nonfiction“They sing to them.
They give them names.
They shelter the young ones in their homes.
Without the herd, the tribe might starve.
To the Maasai, the cow is life.”
– from 14 Cows For America
Suggested delivery: Read aloud or an independent read
Links:
· Publisher’s Website
- Website with details about the story of the 14 cows http://www.14cowsforamerica.com/
· Author’s Website on Amazon about her books also
· To Purchase the book
3 teaching suggestions - using the book with students in grades 4-6
1. Character Traits – Generous, Sympathetic/Empathy, Compassion, Kindness
2. Social Studies application – Study all about Kenya, the Maasai, and/or “Kimeli”
3. Math and Science application – Life cycle of a cow and how much money it takes to buy one and raise it
Key Vocabulary:
1. remote
2. guava
3. warrior’s blessing
4. speed and grace of cheetahs
5. tribe
6. Maasai
7. peaceably
8. nomadic cattle herders
9. huts – sun baked dung
10. elders
11. tradition
12. acacia
13. stillness
14. disbelief
15. diplomat
16. jounces
17. embassy
18. rugged roads
19. full tribal splendor
20. tunics
21. marvel
22. sacred ritual
23. mournful
24. knoll
Before Reading Strategy: Picture Walk/Predictions
During Reading Strategy: Ask questions/Answer Questions
After Reading Strategy: Journal entry reflection
A writing activity that requires the students to respond to the text to demonstrate inferential comprehension – Write a thank you letter to the Maasai people and to Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah for their gifts, explaining why you are thankful; cite the text.
Awards, Reviews, Honors or Mentions: "Rarely do books for children address the bridging of cultural difference on a grand scale." Newsday
"An extraordinary true story of generosity, compassion and hope, 14 Cows for America is rich on multiple levels for young and old alike." Books to Borrow, Books to Buy
- A New York Times Bestseller
- Notable Books for a Global Society, 2010
- Children’s Books of the Year, 2010
- Teachers Choice, 2010
- Parent’s Choice Awards/Books/Picture Books, 2009
- Notable Social Studies Trade Book, 2010
- Texas Bluebonnet Award, 2010-2011 Master List
Other Books by the Author or that may follow:
- Agatha’s Featherbed
- The Library Dragon
o The Yellow Star
o Martina The Beautiful Cockroach
Topics from book: Kenya-Relations-United States-Juvenile Literature, September 11 Terrorist Attacks, 2001, Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah, Maasai (African people) – Biography, Cows – Kenyan, Gifts – Kenyan
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