14 Cows For America

Uplifting, Genuine Friendship, Generosity, Compassionate, Evocative

14 Cows For America
Written by Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah with Carmen Agra Deedy

Illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez 

Published by Peachtree Publishers Copyright 2009

"A stirring, heartwarming tale that made headlines when it happened-and is now, thankfully, preserved on the page for children." - Kirkus 

This true account of compassion, co-written by Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah and Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrates how one tribe in Kenya demonstrated their generosity after the September 11th attacks on the United States.  The story reflects on Kimeli's return to his native land where he welcomed back by the Maasai.  Traditionally, they were warriors, but now they are cattle herders who rely on their cows for everything.  When they ask Kimeli to share stories about his life in New York, he feels compelled to share the horrific and tragic events that occurred on September 11th.  Kimeli's reflection of the events is emotionally stirring.  As a result, he decides to give his only cow to America.  After hearing what happened and recognizing Kimeli's actions, the elders also show sympathy and want to help by offering 13 more cows, because "to the Maasai, the cow is life."  This vibrant story shows the cross-cultural connections, the generosity, and the support that nations can provide to one another.   

Reading Level: Lexile Framework AD540L, Grade 3/4

Suggested Delivery: Read Aloud
Description: Non-fiction, Diversity, Cross-Cultural Connections 

Electronic Resources:
Official Book Website
This is a link to the official website which offers additional information about the story, an overview of the two authors and illustrator, helpful sites to increase understanding of the Maasai people, and details about the significance of the cow to the Massai.  The site also includes links to teacher sources and guides that can enhance the use of this text in the classroom.

Student Guide
This is a link to a PDF student guide.  The guide provides author and illustrator background information, key vocabulary and definitions, pre-reading activities, discussion questions, writing activities, and extensions of the text.

14 Cows For America Video
This video clip introduces students to additional background information about the text and the publicity the real event received.  Students can also meet Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah, the real Kimeli, and hear his story about presenting the United States with 14 cows.

Interview with Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah
This is a link to an interview conducted with Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah.  Students can discover what Kimeli believes being a Maasai warrior means, why he felt he needed to share the story of September 11th with his people, and what his reactions were to their act of generosity.

Key Vocabulary: 
Diplomat, Embassy, Fierce, Injustice, Kenya, Marvel, Mournful, Nomadic, Ritual, Sacred

Teaching Suggestions:  

1. Use this text in social studies to review September 11th and the impact it had not only on the United States, but also on the world.
2. Use this text in social studies to compare and contrast the lifestyle and culture of the United States to Kenya.
3. Use this text in reading and language arts to discuss what symbolism means in terms of literature and in real events.  Have students analyze what the cows symbolize.  Have students make text-to-self connections by establishing what their own symbol would be.

Comprehension Strategies
Pre-Reading- Review the events and impact that September 11th had on the United States as a whole.  Provide students with a KWL chart to demonstrate their prior knowledge about September 11th and what they hope to learn from the text.

During Reading- Pause during the reading, and have students make predictions about what the Maasai people's reactions are and why they feel that way.

Post-Reading- Students should complete the L section on their KWL charts.  Have students conduct a Popcorn Review.  Students should make text-to-self and text-to-world connections with the story.  Ask students the following questions:

1. How did this story make you feel about the way other countries/people treat each other? 
2. What do you think America was feeling after the September 11th attacks and then after they received 14 cows?
3. Is there anything in America that we could give to other nations to show our support the way the Maasai did?

Writing Activity: Have students write a Poem for Two Voices.  One student can represent the Maasai and another can represent the United States.

Deedy, C. A., Naiyomah, W. K., & Gonzalez, T. (2009). 14 cows for America. Atlanta: Peachtree Publishers.