Asian Pacific Literature - Module Five

Bibliography

Say, Allen. 1993. Grandfather’s Journey. New York: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 9780395570357

Plot Summary

Japanese-American author Allen Say tells of his grandfather’s journey to America and his return to Japan. His grandfather experienced feelings of homesickness for his “other” country no matter where he was residing. Later, Say has the same feelings as he leaves his home in Japan to journey to California. To satisfy his longing for home, he returns to Japan to see the mountains and rivers. It is then that he feels he truly knows his grandfather.

Critical Analysis

In Say’s Caldecott Award winning book, the insider perspective provides the reader with authentic representation of the Japanese culture through realistic illustrations rather than text. The character’s facial features, skin tones, and hairstyles each help to define their cultural identity. In addition, the architecture, landscape, and clothing styles (kimonos) that are shown when grandfather returns to Japan are culturally authentic. This story of journeying to a new world and longing for home is beautifully captured through watercolors illustrations reminiscent of a family photo album covering three generations. A beautiful story of the internal struggle and yearning “to belong”.

Awards
Caldecott – 1994

Review Excerpts

“Say's grandfather travels throughout North America as a young man but, unable to forget his homeland, returns to Japan with his family, where the author is born. Say now lives in California and returns to his native land from time to time. "The funny thing is, the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other. I think I know my grandfather now." The immigrant experience has rarely been so poignantly evoked as it is in this direct, lyrical narrative, accompanied by soft-toned watercolors.” Horn Book starred review

“A personal history of three generations of the author's family that points out the emotions that are common to the immigrant experience. Splendid, photoreal watercolors have the look of formal family portraits or candid snapshots, all set against idyllic landscapes in Japan and in the U.S.” School Library Journal

Connections
Young readers and others selecting books for reading aloud might consider other books by Allen Say including:

Say, Allen. Kamishibai Man. ISBN978-0618479542
Say, Allen. Tea with Milk. ISBN9780547237473
Say, Allen. Tree of Cranes. ISBN978-0547248301