A Calf Named Brian Higgins

Written By:

Kristen Ball

Illustrated By:

Laura Jacobsen

GR:

Lexile:

630

Total Words:

51,690

ISBN:

978-1-947159-00-6

SKU: CBH

A Calf Named Brian Higgins
An Adventure in Rural Kenya

Thirteen-year-old Hannah Higgins is convinced her summer is ruined when she is forced to travel to Africa and work in a remote village in Kenya with her mom and uncle. Never having been to a developing country, she finds the food gross and the community filthy. Just when she thinks nothing could make this trip any worse, she learns people there are dying of hunger and preventable disease. Hannah becomes frustrated and wants to help, but when poverty threatens the lives of people she loves, all she wants to do is go home.

Author Interview: https://wp.me/p3cyvH-aCv

Discussion Guide Available

Praise for A Calf Named Brian Higgins

"...a coming-of-age story that engages readers in Hannah's journeys..."
--Publishers Weekly

2024 WINNER Pre-teen Fiction
American Legacy Book Award

"Examines the real-world conditions of impoverished portions of Africa ...in a very humane and respectful way. Tailored for young adults, this story carries the optimism of youth and is an eye-opening read urging readers to get concerned, get active, and work towards a better future."

RECOMMENDED --The US Review of Books, 2023

"Everything about this story is strong and charming."
--Jacquelyn Mitchard, NY Times best-selling author of The Deep End of the Ocean

"The author has crafted a true-to-life story about our common humanity, how goodwill transcends continents, languages...and life histories to show how much we have to teach each other."
--Jeffrey Sachs, best-selling author and senior advisor to the UN Secretary-General

"A beautiful heart-warming story filled with emotions..."
--Beatrice Biira, subject of Beatrice's Goat, and Community Coordinator for Heifer International

"A Calf Named Brian Higgins is a fantastic novel to introduce children to heavy and challenging topics, such as poverty or entitlement, in a simple and engaging way. It’s essential for children to be exposed to several cultures and walks of life, and reading this novel with them and discussing it would be a great starting point". --Literary Titan