One Hen: How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference

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. One Hen is part of CitizenKid: A collection of books that inform children about the world and inspire them to be better global citizens.

AWARDS

  2009 Outstanding International Book, USBBY winner

  2009 Notable Book for a Global Society , International Reading Association winner

  2009 Children's Choices, International Reading Association winner

  2009 Best Bet for Children and Teens, Ontario Library Association winner

  2009 Silver Birch Award, Ontario Library Association short-listed

  2008 Skipping Stones Honor Award winner

  2008 Massachusetts Book Award winner

  2010 Alberta Children's Choice Rocky Mountain Book Award short-listed

  2009 Children's Africana Book Award, African Studies Association winner

  2009 Best Books for Kids and Teens, Canadian Children's Book Centre winner

  2009 Norma Fleck Award, Canadian Children's Book Centre short-listed

  2010 Golden Oak Award, Ontario Library Association winner