Just the beginning!

This past May, I had the honor of presenting at the International Reading Convention in Minnesota, along with my principal, Susan Phillips, and author/illustrator team, Pamela Duncan Edwards and Henry Cole. To just say that the trip was exciting would be an understatement. I attended lectures, symposiums, walked through the vendor's hall and browsed many of the latest and greatest new books and materials. One of the mornings of the convention, my principal called me over to the Peachtree Publishers' booth to check out Carmen Agra Deedy's new manuscript. Ms. Phillips had tears in her eyes. She held the colorful pages close to her heart and said, "I want you to read this." As I reached for the manuscript, I braced myself for the "Carmen experience." Not only is Carmen one of my favorite children book authors, but she stole my heart forever with her personal stories when she visited my school. I took a deep breath and started to read.

14 Cows for America is a story about a young man, Kimeli, who returned to his homeland from America with a story in his heart. The words and magical illustrations blurred as I read Carmen's interpretation of Kimeli's heartbreaking story of injustice. He shared his experience that took place on September 11th. More than 3000 souls were lost. The Maasai village was so moved when they heard about the tragedy, they wanted to do something to help. They presented a most sacred gift to the people of America...14 cows. They yearned to heal a people far away.

I, too, held the book to my heart and was ever changed by the story. When I finished reading the book, I knew my principal would carry this story to our little people at CCE. This past Friday, she shared the story with the faculty and students, using distance technology and the software of Skype. She reminded the audience that the sacred gift of cows sent to America from people half a world away was about a gift of caring, loving and remembering .

I hope that you will share this book with your students and families.

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Carmen visited Brenau University in my hometown, Gainesville, Georgia. Check it out. Carmen's visit to Gainesville.