Book of the Month: 14 Cows for America

“…there is no nation so powerful it cannot be wounded, nor a people so small they cannot offer might comfort.”

When was the last time you did a selfless act? Each month Mrs. Phillips shares a book with us that she selects to represent the book of the month. For September, she has chosen 14 Cows for America. This true story shows the generosity and compassion one tribe in Africa has for America after hearing about the events that took place on 9/11.

As I read the story to the students, they were deeply moved by the kindness this tribe had for Americans. We discussed the symbolism of the cows and why the tribe was willing to give them to Americans to show life and hope. Then, we pointed out how sometimes objects can stand for a certain feeling or emotion. I challenged to students to create their own personal similes and metaphors for common emotions. Below are their responses to what stands for these emotions to them.

"Sadness is letting a puppy go." Cynthia
"Happiness is like a big house full of frozen yogurt." Adam
"Disgust is old eggs." Alexandra
"Happiness is like a walk in the park." Caitlyn
"Happiness is my dog Hershy." Zachariah
"Happiness is like new presents and flowers." Katie R
"Grumpiness is like being the second kid in line." Veronica
"Happiness is like a big bowl of ice cream." James
"Happiness is puppies." Maritza
"Laziness is a bed sleeping with nothing to do." Rex
"Sadness is a cut in the leg." Katie S
"Happiness is a water park." Garrett
"Happiness is a new Game Cube." Mario
"Disgust is a meat loaf." Ian
"Sadness is like looking at the moon with nobody to talk with." Yatzaret
"Sadness is getting rid of dogs." Alyssia
"Rage is my brother annoying me." Baylee

"To me, rage is homework." Alex
"My monkey is life." Brendan
"A tight warm blanket is happiness." Maryssa
"Hope is a play date waiting." Anne
"Rage is a lady driving. " Danny
"Security is a bed." Parker
"Laziness is a early morning." Brenna
"Sun is hope." Evelyn
"Happiness is a trip to North Carolina." Roberto
"Disgust is my sister's diapers." Affan
"Rage is a F on a test." Monique
"A skateboard is life." Victor
"Hope is getting inside a rainbow." Emily
"Happiness is a Wii remote." Luke
"Sadness is a snakebite." Anasia
"Grumpiness is taking out the trash." Vincent

To learn more about this book you can view the homepage below.
14 Cows for America