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14 COWS FOR AMERICA
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Written by
Carmen Agra Deedy
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Illustrated by
Thomas Gonzalez
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Hardcover: $17.95
ISBN: 978-1-56145-490-7
Total Pages: 36
Size: 11-5/8 X 10
full color throughout
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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 Agatha's Featherbed, 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 at: www.carmendeedy.com
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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. Gonzalez lives in Georgia.You can visit Thomas Gonzalez's website at: www.tomprints.com
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This New York Times Bestseller, from award-winning author Carmen Agra Deedy, is a true story of hope and generosity about a gift from a small Kenyan village to the people of America. This children's book was done in collaboration with Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah and features stunning illustrations by Thomas Gonzalez.
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Accelerated Reader & Reading Counts Tests:
Reading Counts Level: 2.2
AR Quiz#: 133355
AR Reading Level: 4.1
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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 on the American men, women, and children, and he is there to accept it. The gift is as unsought and 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 news wires 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 and browns, and blues and greens, capture the modest nobility of the Maasai people and the distinctive landscape of the African plain.
Click here to learn more about 14 Cows for America.
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Reviews
"...a lovely picture book...beautifully evocative..."The New York Times "...moving and dramatically illustrated..."The Wall Street Journal "...just as affecting for adults as it is for kids."Cookie Magazine Online "...brilliant story...fantastic images..."New York Amsterdam News "...Deedy shares Kimeli Naiyomah's story with amazing clarity...rich in detail and emotion..."Sunday Eagle "...lush and detailed..."Atlanta Journal Constitution "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 story children should hear..."Grand Rapids Press "Supremely gifted storyteller Carmen Agra Deedy—with illustrator Thomas Gonzalez—collaborates with Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah to tell his true tale of a Maasai village in Kenya so moved by the tragic events of September 11, 2001, that its residents donated their most valuable possessions to the American people."Atlanta Magazine * STARRED REVIEW *
"I dare you to read this special picture book without getting teary every time.”Library Media Connection "A moving tale of compassion and generosity."Publishers Weekly * 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 "...it has greatly impacted every person I have shared it with...a heartwarming tale to cherish."School Library Journal Blog "...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 "Pros: Beautiful illustrations and a touching story offer kids the opportunity to learn about history, empathy, compassion, and sacrifice for the greater good. Cons: None!"The Reading Tub "This is a must-read book for anyone."Bri Meets Books "a fascinating and inspiring story"Rasco from RIF: Musings from Carol H. Rasco, CEO of Reading is Fundamental "It takes a real author to know how to finish a tale of this sort perfectly, but Deedy's last sentence takes the cake."School Library Journal Fuse #8 Blog "...important and honorable..."New York Amsterdam News "The double page illustrations are stunning, reflecting the rich colors of the Maasai people and the African land, but they also add an ethereal dimension to the story that is almost spiritual."Parent: Wise Austin.com * BEST OF 2009 LIST *
"...elegant story..."The Columbus Dispatch "...beautifully written...dramatic illustrations..."Washington Parent "...double-page illustrations capture the grandeur of the Maasai countryside as well as the faces of the compassionate villagers."Free Lance-Star "...beautifully illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez and lovingly crafted in true storyteller fashion by Deedy..."News & Record "Deedy hits all the right notes in this elegant story..."Metroland
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Awards
* 2009 Parents' Choice Gold Award
* 2009 National Book Festival Selected book for Georgia
* 2010-2011 Texas Bluebonnet Award (Master List)
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