Must Read Title for All Americans

It has been eight years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. During that time we have heard many inspirational stories about bravery, courage, compassion, patriotism and sacrifice. Most of these stories fill us with pride and hope. Many of these stories remind us of the greatness of this country and the brotherhood we share as citizens of the United States of America.

Today, I received a new picture book called 14 Cows for America by Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah and Carmen Agra Deedy. It is the tale of how the Maasai, people of Africa came to know of our tragedy and their gift of healing, given freely to the people of a nation that they will never see.

To the Maasai, the cow is life. They sing to them, they give them names, they shelter the young ones in their homes. Without the herd, the tribe might starve.

Kimeli, was a student in America, when the events of September 11th unfolded. Later that year he returned home to tell the tale of tragedy to his tribe. The elders of this tribe of peaceable nomadic cattle herders were stirred to compassion for a people far away.

An American diplomat is summoned and the Maasai meet him in full tribal splendor for a ceremony, a sacred ritual to present, as a gift of healing and blessing, 14 cows. The book ends with this powerful quote:

Because there is no nation so powerful it cannot be wounded, or a people so small they cannot offer mighty comfort.

When I read this book, I cried, sitting right at my desk in the middle of the library. These 14 cows will never be slaughtered, they will continue to be a symbol of hope from the Maasai to us, the citizens of America. A powerful and beautiful book that we should share with those we love, because as Americans we should know about this beautiful gift given to us to help us heal and remember.

Michele, Children's Librarian

The day that changed the world

by: Michele, Children's Librarian

My book group was reading the book 102 Minutes: The untold story of the fight to survive inside the Twin Towers, written by two New York City journalists, Jim Dwyer and Kevin Flynn.

This book tells of the men and women who saved themselves and others in the final minutes before the World Trade Towers collapsed on September 11, 2001, and includes testimonies from workers in the buildings, police and fire personnel, a construction manager, and a window washer.

Amazing stories of friends who stayed behind with people whom they knew would never get out and of cell phone calls to loved ones from people who knew they were trapped. I cried when I read these very real and very personal accounts of real life heroes.

If September 11th, or Patriot day, as it is listed on my calendar, seems like a long time ago and not important in today's world, stop and read about these amazing events. This books gives details of the Twin Towers and helps you understand the background of the buildings. The local building codes that played a role in the placement of the staircases in the building and the 1993 bombing in the Trade Center Parking Garages the affected the way workers in the building reacted when the buildings were hit.

This book is one of my favorites. My book group recalled being glued to their televisions for days, hoping that some of these trapped people would be found alive and saved. We reflected on the fragility of life, and how that day was a regular work day like any other. The people who worked in these buildings got up and got ready for their day without knowing what fate was going to do to them and to their families and to their nation. We concluded that we need to remember to take time to appreciate our families and our life.

If September 11th is made a national holiday and patriot day becomes official, I think that it should be a day to celebrate our blessing and spend time with those we love. What do you think?