14 Cows for America
| Author | Carmen Agra Deedy |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Peachtree Publishers |
Publication date | August 1, 2009 |
| ISBN | 978-1561454907 |
14 Cows for America is a 2009 children's book by Carmen Agra Deedy with Kimeli Wilson Naiyomah, illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez, published by Peachtree Publishers.[1]
Summary
14 Cows for America tells the true story of a Maasai tribe's donation of 14 cows to the United States after the September 11 attacks.[1] It opens with Kimeli Wilson Naiyomah, who had been in New York studying to be a doctor, returning to his village in Kenya and being asked for stories about his experience in America.[2] Kimeli tells the people about the destruction of the twin towers, and one elder asks what can be done to help the people affected. Kimeli states that he wishes to give his only cow to those suffering in America, and the elders of the village add another thirteen. All fourteen cows are later presented to a visiting American ambassador.
An afterword by Kimeli himself explains that the book is based on a true story.
Reception
The book was a New York Time's best seller in 2009.[3] In 2010, it was listed as a Notable Book for a Global Society (NBGS) by the Children's Literature & Reading Special Interest Group[4] and as a CCBC Choice book by the Cooperative Children's Book Center.[5]
References
- ^ a b Kristof, Nicholas (8 November 2009). "Foreign Aid". New York Times Archive. New York Times. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ^ Mathis, Janelle B. (Winter 2009). "Book Review: 14 Cows for America, Carmen Agra Deedy, Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah". WOW Review. 2 (2) – via The UA Campus Repository.
- ^ "Children's Picture Books - Best Sellers - Books - Nov. 29, 2009 - The New York Times". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2026-03-18.
- ^ "NBGS Lists" (Linked PDF). Children's Literature & Reading Special Interest Group. Retrieved 2026-03-18.
- ^ Michaelson, Tessa; Schliesman, Megan; Lindgren, Merri V.; Horning, Kathleen T. (March 2010). CCBC Choices 2010. Cooperative Children's Book Center. p. 26 – via MINDS@UW.