Hardcover Jacket
978-1-55453-028-1 | Feb 1, 2008
List Price:
USD $18.99, CAD $19.99
4-color • 9 x 12 • 32 pages
Grades: 3 To 7 / Ages: 8 to 12
Paperback
978-1-894786-09-6 | Apr 7, 2020
List Price:
USD $10.99, CAD $12.99
Inspired by true events, One Hen tells the story of Kojo, a boy from Ghana who turns a small loan into a thriving farm and a livelihood for many.
After his father died, Kojo had to quit school to help his mother collect firewood to sell at the market. When his mother receives a loan from some village families, she gives a little money to her son. With this tiny loan, Kojo buys a hen.
A year later, Kojo has built up a flock of 25 hens. With his earnings Kojo is able to return to school. Soon Kojo’s farm grows to become the largest in the region.
Kojo’s story is inspired by the life of Kwabena Darko, who as a boy started a tiny poultry farm just like Kojo’s, which later grew to be the largest in Ghana, and one of the largest in west Africa. Kwabena also started a trust that gives out small loans to people who cannot get a loan from a bank.
One Hen shows what happens when a little help makes a big difference. The final pages of One Hen explain the microloan system and include a list of relevant organizations for children to explore.
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Available in Hardcover:
Ebook:
Paperback:
Educational Resources
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS
Global awareness
Economic systems
Citizenship
Teamwork
Citizenship
Cultures, Local & Global Community
READING LEVELS
Guided Reading |
P |
KEYWORDS
global awareness Africa citizenship community economic systems microfinance cause and effect multiculturalism
DOWNLOADS & LINKS
Reviews & Awards
Reviews
“An inviting text and bright acrylic artwork on oversize pages follow Kojo, a rural Ashanti boy, as he builds a poultry farm with a small loan.”
— School Library Journal, Starred Review, October 2008
“The text and visuals work individually and together to create a compelling story that is simple without being simplistic and that avoids patronizing attitudes … the book accomplishes the rare feat of entertaining and educating … likely to be a hit with both kids and teachers.”
— Quill & Quire, Starred Review, February 2008
“Bright acrylics fill this spirited picture book … a pleasing … purposeful tale about change and hope.”
— San Francisco Chronicle, March 2008
“… Kojo’s inspiring, upbeat microfinance story makes the economic concept easy to grasp and admire. Sunny acrylic illustrations [and]impressionistic full-page art …”
— Booklist, June 2008
“… Kojo’s story, with its vibrant illustrations, will plant more than the germ of an idea in the minds of young readers.”
— Globe and Mail, February 2008
“… encourages children ages 7 and up to think about the power we each have to initiate positive changes in the world.”
— Breitbart, February 2008
“Extremely appealing … beautifully illustrated in acrylics by award-winning artist Eugenie Fernandes … Highly recommended …”
— Canadian Children’s Book News, May 2008
“One Hen is emotionally affecting, as well as informative …”
— Vancouver Sun, February 2008
“Fernandes’s large acrylic paintings … include numerous details … [and] spark the imagination. This distinguished book will enhance many curriculum areas.”
— School Library Journal, Starred Review, May 2008
“The vibrant folkish art by Eugenie Fernandes bursts with color and texture and enhances this uplifting tale of the power of giving someone a chance.”
— Detroit Free Press, February 2008
“… a powerful tale about the value of offering a hand up, instead of a hand out …”
— Today’s Parent, April 2008
“… the beneficial effects of small loans and small projects are thoughtfully and carefully explained in the extensive text … Acrylic illustrations are vivid and lively …”
— Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, March 2008
Awards
| 2010 | Golden Oak Award, Ontario Library Association, Winner |
| 2010 | Alberta Children’s Choice Rocky Mountain Book Award, Short-listed |
| 2009 | Outstanding International Book, USBBY, Winner |
| 2009 | Silver Birch Award, Ontario Library Association, Short-listed |
| 2009 | Children’s Africana Book Award, African Studies Association, Winner |
| 2009 | Notable Book for a Global Society, International Reading Association, Winner |
| 2009 | Best Books for Kids and Teens, Canadian Children’s Book Centre, Winner |
| 2009 | Children’s Choices, International Reading Association, Winner |
| 2009 | Norma Fleck Award, Canadian Children’s Book Centre, Short-listed |
| 2009 | Best Bet for Children and Teens, Ontario Library Association, Winner |
| 2008 | Skipping Stones Honor Award, Winner |
| 2008 | Massachusetts Book Award, Winner |