14 Cows for America is part of our Starts With a Story Collection, which includes more than 600 picture book companions based on high quality children’s literature that support you in delivering highly-engaging interactive read alouds with follow up activities. Learn more about this children’s book below! - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
Â
SUMMARY
"14 Cows for America" is a touching picture book based on a true story. It follows the journey of a Maasai warrior named Kimeli, who witnesses the tragic events of September 11, 2001, while studying in the United States. Deeply affected, he returns to his Kenyan village and shares the news with his community. In a remarkable act of empathy, the Maasai people decide to gift 14 cows, a symbol of life and prosperity, to the United States as a gesture of support and solidarity. The book explores the cows' journey from Kenya to New York City and the profound impact they have on the American people, symbolizing hope, healing, and the interconnectedness of humanity. Through vibrant illustrations and powerful storytelling, the book celebrates the capacity for compassion and kindness to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries, leaving readers with a renewed belief in the power of unity in the face of tragedy.
 USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Our read aloud lesson plans for this picture book come with reading comprehension questions (with sample student responses), 30 writing prompts, teaching ideas for grammar skills, social emotional learning discussion ideas, and more. Check out our list below to get a sneak peek at some of the skills this resource teaches.
- Analyze the setting of this book. Discuss where and when it takes place.
- Help students to analyze what the author’s purpose for writing the book might be.
- Practice making inferences throughout the story and after reading.
- Encourage students to use their summarizing and retelling strategies.
- Teach students a new suffix and give examples from the book.
- Lead a class discussion on the importance of individuality.
- Discuss the importance of teamwork and what a good teammate looks like.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30Â writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
This book is a must have for your school or classroom library. Your students are going to love completing these activities for the book and you will be impressed with how much they learn. You will want to read this book to your class every year.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will love the similar books listed below, which can all be found in our free picture book list.
- Fireboat by Maira Kalman
- The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein
- 30,000 Stitches by Amanda Davis
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
