One Hen

Written by Katie Smith Milway

Published by Kids Can Press in 2008

"Bit by bit, one small hen is making a difference." (11)

Awards: 

• U.S. Children's Africana Book Award, 2009
• US Board of Books for Young People's "2009 Outstanding International Book List"
• Children's Choice Winner, 2009

Summary: Kojo is a poor boy growing up in a small village in Ghana. After his father's death, Kojo had to quit school to help his mother earn money. But Kojo is not alone; in his community, everyone helps each other out. One day, after receiving a small loan from the community, Kojo buys a hen in hopes of harvesting and selling eggs to support his family. In time, Kojo raises enough money to buy more hens, and even start his own business.With his determination and new found success, Kojo can give back to the community that had helped him get his start.

Reading Level: Lexile Framework: 810L Grade Level: 3-4

Suggested Delivery: Read-Aloud

Description: Picture Book, Based on a True Story, Diversity

Key Vocabulary (by page number): fufu cooking (5), region (7), profit (7), loan (7), enclosure (12), parasites (15)

Teaching Suggestions:

1. Display a map of Africa while reading. Point out Ghana and other African locations mentioned in the story.
2. Before reading, show students the features of this text; there is a glossary, a page about the real Kojo, information on how to get involved, and a list of resources. 
3. Have students do some small research on Ghana. Allow students library and/or computer lab time to learn about life in a small African village. This will help students to better understand Kojo's poverty and inability to attend school in the book.

Comprehension Strategies:

Before Reading: Students should be introduced to the concept of a loan. This can be done through a math mini-lesson in which students practice borrowing and paying back money, and making profit. After a basic introduction, divide students into groups in which one/two student(s) are the bankers and the rest of the group needs a loan. Each borrower must monitor his/her spending and profits. After the mini-lesson, ask who profited, who lost out, and why.

During Reading: Students should keep a vocabulary journal of words/terms they are unfamiliar with. There are many terms which are culture-based that students may be unfamiliar with. The read-aloud should periodically stop to answer questions about unfamiliar terms/concepts. This can be done through a whole-class discussion, think-pair-share, or a fishbowl discussion.

After Reading: Have students read the section in the end of the book entitled "A Real Kojo". Then, have students question the author (this may be a formal writing exercise, or a more informal discussion). Generate questions such as, "Were you ever discouraged by your circumstances and felt like giving up?" "What inspires you to give loans to other people?" etc.

Writing Activity: Students will write a letter to a bank trying to convince the bank to give them a loan. The students must provide the reason for their loan, how this will help the community, and how they will profit/pay back the loan. Encourage students to use persuasive language and realistic expectations of a loan and small business.

Electronic Resources:

One Hen's Microfinance for Kids

This site allows users to meet real people like Kojo, play games, donate to a cause and write to the author.

The Good Garden

The Good Garden introduces kids to the global food crisis and helps us learn what we can do to help. 

One Hen: A Short Video Clip

This short video introduces viewers to the story of Kojo and how "change can happen, one kid at a time."

Milway, K.S. (2008). One Hen: How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference. Toronto: Kids Can Press.