Grandfather's Journey
by Allen Say
Pictures Book selection 2010 |
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Biography ...Summary .... Discussion Questions
Author bio
Allen Say was born in Yokohama, Japan, in 1937. He dreamed of becoming a cartoonist from the age of six, and, at age twelve, apprenticed himself to his favorite cartoonist, Noro Shinpei. For the next four years, Say learned to draw and paint under the direction of Noro, who has remained Say's mentor. Say illustrated his first children's book — published in 1972 — in a photo studio between shooting assignments. For years, Say continued writing and illustrating children's books on a part-time basis. But in 1987, while illustrating THE BOY OF THE THREE-YEAR NAP (Caldecott Honor Medal), he recaptured the joy he had known as a boy working in his master's studio. It was then that Say decided to make a full commitment to doing what he loves best: writing and illustrating children's books. Since then, he has written and illustrated many books, including TREE OF CRANES and GRANDFATHER'S JOURNEY, winner of the 1994 Caldecott Medal. He is a full-time writer and illustrator living in Portland, Oregon. |
Allen Say's website |
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Summary
Description from the publisher:
Through compelling reminiscences of his grandfather's life in America and Japan, Allen Say gives us a poignant account of a family's unique cross-cultural experience. He warmly conveys his own love for his two countries, and the strong and constant desire to be in both places at once.
Publishers Weekly says:
"The immigrant experience has rarely been so poignantly evoked as it is in this direct, lyrical narrative that is able to stir emotions through the sheer simplicity of its telling."
Grandfather's Journey has won numerous awards, including:
Bulletin Blue Ribbon
Caldecott Medal Book
ALA Notable Book
Booklist Editors' Choice
Boston Globe/Horn Book Award
Horn Book Fanfare Selection
School Library Journal Best Books of the Year
New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books of the Year
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Discussion Questions
How America and Japan are portrayed in this book.
How are the homes different?
How do the landscapes, style of dress, and objects of daily life differ?
Additional materials can be found online:
TeacherVision.com has a curriculum plan available here.
Library Thing has a comprehensive entry on the book.
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