14 Cows for America
What’s inside...
This New York Times bestseller recounts the true story of the touching gift bestowed on the US by the Maasai people in the wake of the September 11 attacks.In June of 2002, a mere nine months since the September 11 attacks, a very unusual ceremony begins in a far-flung village in western Kenya. An American diplomat is surrounded by hundreds of Maasai people. A gift is about to be bestowed upon the American men, women, and children, and he is there to accept it. The gift is as unexpected as it is extraordinary. Hearts are raw as these legendary Maasai warriors offer their gift to a grieving people half a world away. Word of the gift will travel newswires around the globe, and for the heartsick American nation, the gift of fourteen cows emerges from the choking dust and darkness as a soft light of hope—and friendship. With stunning paintings from Thomas Gonzalez, master storyteller Carmen Agra Deedy (in collaboration with Naiyomah) hits all the right notes in this elegant story of generosity that crosses boundaries, nations, and cultures.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the gift of the cows in the book make you feel?
Why do you think the Maasai people decided to give such a special gift to America?
What does this story teach us about kindness and empathy towards others, even if they are far away?
How can we show support or kindness to someone who needs it, even if they are not close to us?
In what ways do you think this story can inspire people to help each other?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own feelings about the story to create an open environment for discussion.
Encourage your child to think about the emotions displayed in the book and relate them to their own experiences.
Ask your child to draw or write about a time they helped someone, linking it to the themes of the book.
Discuss the cultural aspects of the Maasai people and how their values can be applied universally.
Highlight the importance of global empathy and how one act of kindness can impact many lives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The story portrays the Maasai people's heartfelt gesture of gifting cows to America after the 9/11 attacks, demonstrating deep empathy and compassion for others' suffering.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of others, fostering kindness in interactions with friends and classmates.
Example Lesson: Generosity
Explanation: Despite their modest means, the Maasai tribe offers something of great value to them, showing that generosity isn't about wealth but about the spirit of giving.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of giving and sharing, irrespective of how much they have, emphasizing that every act of kindness counts.
Example Lesson: Cultural Respect and Understanding
Explanation: The book highlights the Maasai's culture and their unique way of expressing condolences, encouraging respect and appreciation for diverse cultures.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace and respect different cultural practices and perspectives, which is crucial in a diverse society.
Example Lesson: Unity and Global Citizenship
Explanation: The Maasai's act of solidarity crosses international borders, demonstrating that compassion and support can extend globally.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children see themselves as part of a larger global community where they can contribute positively to global challenges.
Example Lesson: The Power of Symbolic Gestures
Explanation: The gift of cows, which are sacred in Maasai culture, symbolizes deep respect and a powerful bond, teaching the importance of meaningful actions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that actions often speak louder than words and that thoughtful gestures can have a significant impact on others.