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  • Hardcover: $17.95
  • ISBN: 978-1-56145-550-8
  • Total Pages: 36
  • Size: 11 5/8 x 10
  • Language: Spanish
  • Rights: World, except Korea
  • Status: active
  • Add Format to Cart
  • Paperback: $8.95
  • ISBN: 978-1-56145-555-3
  • Total Pages: 36
  • Size: 11 5/8 x 10
  • Language: Spanish
  • Rights: World, except Korea
  • Status: active

14 Vacas para America


This New York Times Bestseller, from award-winning author Carmen Agra Deedy, is a true story of hope and generosity, and the gift a small Kenyan village makes to the people of America. This children's book was done in collaboration with Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah and features stunning illustrations by Thomas Gonzalez. Now in Spanish!

In June of 2002, 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.

A mere nine months have passed since the September 11 attacks, and hearts are raw. Tears flow freely from American and Maasai as these legendary warriors offer their gift to a grieving people half a world away.

Word of the gift will travel newswires around the globe. Many will be profoundly touched, but for Americans, this selfless gesture will have deeper meaning still. For a heartsick nation, the gift of fourteen cows emerges from the choking dust and darkness as a soft light of hope—and friendship.

Master storyteller Carmen Agra Deedy hits all the right notes in this elegant story of generosity that crosses boundaries, nations, and cultures. An afterword by Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah—the Maasai warrior at the center of the story—provides additional information about his tribe and their generous actions. Thomas Gonzalez’s stunning paintings, which are saturated with rich hues of oranges, browns, blues, and greens, capture the modest nobility of the Maasai people and the distinctive landscape of the African plain.

Author & Illustrator


Author Photo

Carmen Agra Deedy is a New York Times bestselling author and has been writing and traveling around the world telling stories for more than twenty years. Her books, including 14 Cows for America, The Library Dragon, The Yellow Star, and Martina the Beautiful Cockroach have received numerous awards and honors. Carmen has performed in many prestigious venues, but children are her favorite audience. Born in Havana, Cuba, she came to the United States as a refugee and like most immigrants sees the world from multiple perspectives.

You can visit Carmen Agra Deedy’s website here.

Author Photo

Thomas Gonzalez was born in Havana, Cuba, and moved to the United States as a child. An artist and painter, he directed campaigns for clients such as Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines, NASCAR, the NFL, and McDonald’s. 14 Cows for America is the first book he illustrated. Gonzalez lives in Georgia.

You can visit Thomas Gonzalez’s website here.

Author Photo

Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah received an MS in molecular biology from Stanford University in 2008 and was a collaborator for the picture book 14 Cows for America. He was awarded a Rotary International World Peace Fellowship and has begun studies in peace and conflict resolution in Australia.


Reviews


“...a lovely picture book...beautifully evocative...” ―The New York Times

“...moving and dramatically illustrated...” ―The Wall Street Journal

“I dare you to read this special picture book without getting teary every time.” ―Library Media Connection, * STARRED REVIEW *

“...elegant sentences...The suspenseful pace is especially striking when surrounded by Gonzalez's exquisite colored pencil and pastel illustrations. The colors of Kenya explode off the page...” ―School Library Journal, * STARRED REVIEW *

“A moving tale of compassion and generosity.” ―Publishers Weekly

“...gentle yet piercing present-tense prose...A stirring, heartwarming tale that made headlines when it happened-and is now, thankfully, preserved on the page for children.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“...the words and the glowing mixed-media illustrations show empathy and connections across communities...” ―Booklist

“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

Awards


Texas Bluebonnet Award (Master List) ―Texas Library Association 2010-2011

Parents' Choice Gold Award ―Parents' Choice Foundation 2009

Selected Book for Georgia ―National Book Festival 2009

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association 2010

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―NCSS/CBC 2010

Cybils (finalist, non-fiction picture books) ―Cybils 2009

Notable Books for a Global Society ―International Reading Association 2010

Great Lakes' Great Books Award (nominee, grades 2-3) ―Michigan Reading Association 2010-2011

CCBC Choices (Historical People, Places and Events) ―Cooperative Children's Book Center 2010

Beehive Award (informational book nominee) ―Children's Literature Association of Utah 2011

Colorado Children's Book Award (nominee) ―Colorado Council of the International Reading Association 2011

E.B. White Read-Aloud Honor ―Association of Booksellers for Children 2010

Bill Martin, Jr. Picture Book Award (nominee) ―Kansas Reading Association 2011

Comstock Book Award ―Minnesota State University Moorhead 2010

Best Children's Books of the Year (starred) ―Bank Street College of Education 2010

North Carolina Children's Book Award (nominee, junior book category) ―North Carolina Reading Association 2011

Teachers' Choices (intermediate) ―IRA 2010

Best Books for Kids (multicultural category) ―Page Ahead 2010

Black-Eyed Susan Book Award (nominee, picture book) ―Maryland Association of School Librarians 2010-2011