- ISBN13: 9781554530281
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Product Description
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. This help comes in the form of a microloan, a lending system for people in developing countries who have no collateral and no access to conventional banking. Microloans have begun to receive more media attention in recent years. In 2006 Muhammad Yunus, a Bangledeshi economist who pioneered microloan banking, won the Nobel Peace Prize.The final pages of One Hen explain the microloan system and include a list of relevant organizations for children to explore.
One Hen – How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference
I too was disappointed after reading all the great reviews on Amazon, and then buying the book and finding out it is written in a stiff, passive style:
“Kojo tugs the knot tight and hoists a bundle of firewood onto his head… As Kojo nears the house he can small his mother’s fuju cooking, their main meal made from cassava and yams. He begins to walk faster.”
Why not make this a bit more active? It would have been easy:
“Kojo tugged the knot tight and hoisted the firewood onto his head… As Kojo neared his house, he could smell that his mother was cooking fuju, a meal made from yams and cassava. Kojo started walking faster.”
See, how hard was that?
Rating: 3 / 5
One Hen is beautifully writen and illustrated. Every page has a subtle lesson on sharing, supporting, growing, and economic development. It’s a very positive depiction of Africa and an African child; great for a western child who is interested in learning said subjects.
As an added bonus, my husband and I do community development work in Kenya. This book will undoubtedly be a great tool for teaching (adults and children alike) the value and potential of micro-finance in a context they can relate to.
Rating: 5 / 5
We stumbled upon this wonderful book. It is bright and colorful and full of animals, so my two year old likes it. The content, however, is appealing to my eight year old. I have given it as a gift to another eight year old. It is all about giving and introduces the idea of microfinance in a simple, understandable way. Regardless of social issues, it is still a fun read. This makes a great gift vs. other run-of-the mill gifts. I will stock up and have a handy birthday present.
Rating: 5 / 5
I read this book to my three grandsons, ages 9 and 5. They sat and listened. And a week later they remembered the primary message of the book … you can start a business with only one chicken. After reading the book I logged onto [..] so that the boys could pick out an animal to donate to someone in need. A great opportunity to teach the importance of giving, animals and starting a business.
Rating: 5 / 5
Not only has my eight year old asked to read this book endlessly, but he has also grasped the pretty complex economic theory behind it. The colorful pictures, the heart-grabbing story, and the savvy behind its skillful telling on several different educational levels makes this a favorite in this household.
I especially love that it’s been deliberately written to appeal not just to a young reader, but to their less literate siblings, on a separate track. It has made my children more aware of what needs to be done as good citizens in this world, but it’s also made it seem like fun. I plan to take it into his class soon and share it with suggestions for action.
Give us more! There aren’t enough like these.
Rating: 5 / 5