Winner of the 2008 Schneider Family Award

Kami and the Yaks

by Andrea Stenn Stryer is the winner of the 2008 Schneider Family Award

This story is about a young deaf Sherpa boy, whose family earns a living by guiding mountain climbers, setting up camp, cooking, and carrying their gear on yaks in the Himalayas. One day, Kami notices his father and brother searching for their four yaks because they were going on one of the treks. He used his tin whistle to call the yaks but there was no response. He thought that was odd because the yaks would normally come to him after hearing the whistle. The story continues as Kami begins to search for them on his own. Climbing through rocks and thick brush, he finally finds them. However, the smallest yak had gotten his foot stuck in a crevice. With hail and lightning knocking down on him he hurried back to get help from his father and brother. Trying to use hand signs to communicate, Kami finally gets through to his brother and save the yaks.

This was a great book to read and an inspiration to deaf children. By reading this book children will learn that anything can be accomplished through perseverance, strength, and determination despite one's handicaps.