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Grandfather's Journey
In this Caldecott Medal – winning picture book, master storyteller Allen Say chronicles his family’s history between Japan and California. A lyrical, breathtaking tale of one man’s love for two countries, Grandfather’s Journey is perfect for fans of Last Stop on Market Street and Thank You, Omu! Through pensive portraits and delicately faded art, Allen Say pays tribute to his grandfather’s persistent longing for home that continues within Allen. This restlessness and constant desire to be in two places speaks to a universal experience as well as the deeply personal ties of family to place, and what it means to be at home in more than one country. Both a celebration of heritage and a poignant exploration of the struggles we inherit, Grandfather’s Journey is a modern classic perfect for every household.
32 pages, Library Binding
First published October 25, 1993
48 people are currently reading
4,195 people want to read
About the author
Allen Say
56 books232 followersAllen Say is one of the most beloved artists working today. He is the recipient of the Caldecott Medal for GRANDFATHER'S JOURNEY, and also won a Caldecott Honor and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for THE BOY OF THE THREE-YEAR NAP (written by Dianne Snyder). Many of Allen’s stories are derived from his own experiences as a child. His other books include THE BICYCLE MAN, TEA WITH MILK, and TREE OF CRANES, hailed by The Horn Book in a starred review as “the achievement of a master in his prime.” Allen’s recent book, ERIKA-SAN, received a starred review in Publishers Weekly. He lives in Portland, Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,603 reviews
April 20, 2019
What a lovely book about the wanderings of a family. This is told by Allen about his grandfather who visited the USA long ago and feel in love with both this country and his country. He would go back and forth as he loved California so much. He felt homesick for whichever place he just left. His grandson moved from Japan to San Fran when he was 16 and he also feels the same longing and has to visit back and forth.
It really is a beautiful little story about a family that spans decades and countries. It is somewhat of an immigration story.
The children thought this was a little interesting, but they weren’t into it too much. They travel a lot from state to state at times seeing family and to them traveling is no big deal. The nephew gave this 2 stars and the niece gave this 3 stars.
It really is a beautiful little story about a family that spans decades and countries. It is somewhat of an immigration story.
The children thought this was a little interesting, but they weren’t into it too much. They travel a lot from state to state at times seeing family and to them traveling is no big deal. The nephew gave this 2 stars and the niece gave this 3 stars.
August 7, 2020
Grandfather's Journey is the 1993 Caldecott-winning picture book about the homesickness his grandfather had for both the U. S. and Japan, depending on which country he was in. Say says he shares this same homesickness for both countries with his grandfather. Lavishly illustrated/painted, it is Say's biographical tribute to his grandfather. It's an illustrated story more than a comics-style "sequential art" story the one-time photographer had so admired as a young man.
I imagined some of the paintings were based on family photographs. It's short, and sweet, and Say says he really came to know his grandfather in the two-year process of making the book. I read the 20th anniversary edition at the 25th anniversary of its publication.
I imagined some of the paintings were based on family photographs. It's short, and sweet, and Say says he really came to know his grandfather in the two-year process of making the book. I read the 20th anniversary edition at the 25th anniversary of its publication.
May 17, 2019
The story of Allen Say's grandfather is an engaging story shown with amazingly detailed and realistic watercolours. The story shows Allen's grandfather from a young man immigrating to the US and returning to Japan, and how as soon as he was in one country he became homesick for the other. This was an interesting book to read an adult's perspective, I'm not sure how interesting a child would find this, perhaps if they had had a similar experience they might enjoy this but otherwise I'm not sure.
Read on openlibrary.
Read on openlibrary.
September 18, 2012
I do wonder whether I’d have rated this book 5 stars if I hadn’t just read the remarkable book Drawing from Memory.
The illustrations are gorgeous and evocative of their places. They’re definitely 5 star worthy.
The story, of emigration and immigration, about the author’s grandfather and about the author, and their relatives, is spare and lovely and rings so true. Its very few words make it suitable for the youngest children, and for all ages. Not a word is wasted. It’s lovingly told.
I really can’t fault it for anything, except in comparison with the other book. 4 ½ stars
Highly recommended to children and families who’ve experienced moves or who have friends who’ve moved, or traveled, and to anyone who’s ever been homesick.
I’m tempted to put this on my san-francisco shelf, but I don’t know if a sufficient amount of the experiences take place there to add it to that shelf.
The illustrations are gorgeous and evocative of their places. They’re definitely 5 star worthy.
The story, of emigration and immigration, about the author’s grandfather and about the author, and their relatives, is spare and lovely and rings so true. Its very few words make it suitable for the youngest children, and for all ages. Not a word is wasted. It’s lovingly told.
I really can’t fault it for anything, except in comparison with the other book. 4 ½ stars
Highly recommended to children and families who’ve experienced moves or who have friends who’ve moved, or traveled, and to anyone who’s ever been homesick.
I’m tempted to put this on my san-francisco shelf, but I don’t know if a sufficient amount of the experiences take place there to add it to that shelf.
May 18, 2021
I really loved the pictures and the story in this book. It is about the author's grandfather and his immigration from Japan to the United States and eventually staying in San Francisco. I like how Say has honored his grandfather's memory and that he too feels torn between the two counties where he feels at home. Very sweet memories.
I think this would open up many questions from kids to parents about their ancestors.
I think this would open up many questions from kids to parents about their ancestors.
January 23, 2018
Allen Say's Caldecott Medal winning Grandfather's Journey as a story, as an account, reads sweetly and generally quite pleasantly, but also with much thought-provoking potential emotionality, and even a palpable bit of potential sadness (especially to and for those of us who are immigrants or emigrants ourselves and have personally experienced what the text shows and oh so very clearly presents, namely equal amounts of love and passion for both our countries of origin and the countries to which we have immigrated, often not really knowing exactly who we are, or where we belong, straddling worlds, languages, cultures). And with tenderness, with graceful understanding, Allen Say's exquisitely lyrical voice evocatively demonstrates that some if not even a rather goodly number of immigrants (like his own grandfather, like the personal subject of Grandfather's Journey) can and do often end up quite homesick for their birthplaces (but however, if they should choose to return to their erstwhile homelands, they conversely are then frequently homesick for the countries to which they had immigrated, passionate about both, loving both, but also not really willing or even able to make a choice between either). And if like with the USA and Japan, the two countries then happen to become enemies or even engage in war, this feeling of dichotomy, of being torn between two cultures, between two worlds, can become a real and even dangerously insurmountable dilemma and obstacle (for in Grandfather's Journey, although he often much desired to return to California, World War II happened, and Allen Say's grandfather was in fact never able to return to the USA, to California, but always he continued to be homesick and yearning for it).
Now while the above described sentiments most definitely ring emotionally and personally true with me and for me (as a German immigrant to Canada with rather similar experiences and considerations, and one of the main reasons why Grandfather's Journey has proven such an emotional and in some ways wrenching read for me), I do have to wonder whether the grandfather's dual homesickness, his equal love for America and Japan, might be potentially a bit difficult for especially younger children who have never experienced this kind of dichotomy to all that easily fathom (and particularly if the parents or caregivers reading Grandfather's Journey with or to them might also have no experience or concept of this and thus might themselves have issues explaining or even appreciating the grandfather's dilemma of feeling torn between cultures and worlds, of feeling homesick for Japan in the USA and homesick for the USA in Japan). For while Allen Say's narrative tugs at one's heartstrings, there indeed might also easily be possible questions that arise, there might even be potential critical considerations raised that warrant discussion and debate (for example, there sometimes is a definite and yes also rather unfortunate, uncomfortable attitude shown that immigrants should only and ever be grateful and one hundred percent appreciative of and for their new lives and new countries and that any manner of homesickness, culture shock, and even any perceived praise of and for their erstwhile homelands can be at best perceived as problematic and at worst seen as selfish, ungrateful, even possibly politically suspicious, if not actually treasonous).
Finally, with regard to the accompanying illustrations (and Allen Say functions as both author and illustrator of Grandfather's Journey), while they are definitely and indeed minutely, lovingly detailed and descriptive, they are also (and according to my own tastes and considerations) somewhat lacking in depth, in emotionality and warmth, their Caldecott Medal designation notwithstanding (and especially when compared to the intensity of the passions and feelings contained in the printed words, seen within the text itself). And thus, while Allen Say's displayed and rendered pictures do more than somewhat evoke his grandfather's sense of being torn with regard to California and Japan, of being homesick for both and attached to both, there is also and always somewhat of a sense of emotional stagnation and dissonance present that is not altogether visually pleasant (or rather, I should say, that there is a visual sense of emotional distance present in the accompanying illustrations for Grandfather's Journey that I have personally not found all that aesthetically agreeable).
Now while the above described sentiments most definitely ring emotionally and personally true with me and for me (as a German immigrant to Canada with rather similar experiences and considerations, and one of the main reasons why Grandfather's Journey has proven such an emotional and in some ways wrenching read for me), I do have to wonder whether the grandfather's dual homesickness, his equal love for America and Japan, might be potentially a bit difficult for especially younger children who have never experienced this kind of dichotomy to all that easily fathom (and particularly if the parents or caregivers reading Grandfather's Journey with or to them might also have no experience or concept of this and thus might themselves have issues explaining or even appreciating the grandfather's dilemma of feeling torn between cultures and worlds, of feeling homesick for Japan in the USA and homesick for the USA in Japan). For while Allen Say's narrative tugs at one's heartstrings, there indeed might also easily be possible questions that arise, there might even be potential critical considerations raised that warrant discussion and debate (for example, there sometimes is a definite and yes also rather unfortunate, uncomfortable attitude shown that immigrants should only and ever be grateful and one hundred percent appreciative of and for their new lives and new countries and that any manner of homesickness, culture shock, and even any perceived praise of and for their erstwhile homelands can be at best perceived as problematic and at worst seen as selfish, ungrateful, even possibly politically suspicious, if not actually treasonous).
Finally, with regard to the accompanying illustrations (and Allen Say functions as both author and illustrator of Grandfather's Journey), while they are definitely and indeed minutely, lovingly detailed and descriptive, they are also (and according to my own tastes and considerations) somewhat lacking in depth, in emotionality and warmth, their Caldecott Medal designation notwithstanding (and especially when compared to the intensity of the passions and feelings contained in the printed words, seen within the text itself). And thus, while Allen Say's displayed and rendered pictures do more than somewhat evoke his grandfather's sense of being torn with regard to California and Japan, of being homesick for both and attached to both, there is also and always somewhat of a sense of emotional stagnation and dissonance present that is not altogether visually pleasant (or rather, I should say, that there is a visual sense of emotional distance present in the accompanying illustrations for Grandfather's Journey that I have personally not found all that aesthetically agreeable).
July 9, 2009
As someone who has taken watercolour classes, I appreciate Allen Say’s talent, and give full marks (5 stars) for the paintings in Grandfather’s Journey. The 1994 Caldecott Medal given to “the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children” was well-deserved. That he used pen and ink in his artwork for Under the Cherry Blossom Tree and other earlier works, is a good indication that Say is a wonderful, versatile artist.
In Grandfather’s Journey, Allen Say retells his grandfather's story of immigration from Japan to the United States and later return to his homeland. His grandfather “longed to see California one more time. He never did.” When Allen Say was “nearly grown” he went to America himself to see what his grandfather had talked about. He came to believe he now understands his grandfather better; how it is possible to love two countries, yet while in one country to find yourself longing for the other. These feelings are exquisitely expressed in the paintings.
As a picture book, Grandfather’s Journey’s targeted audience is 4-8 years of age, but I feel the story is too sophisticated for that age group. Pre-school children could certainly appreciate the pictures, and while some older children could enjoy reading the story independently, others might simply enjoy a discussion about immigration, or even about being in one place while longing for another.
October 24, 2011
A poignant story that will probably be better appreciated by adults than children, this is the touching and bittersweet story of Say's grandfather, a loving tribute to the man who had a wanderlust and who loved both his hometown in Japan and his new home in California and who was never completely satisfied in either place because part of him longed to be in the other. A beautiful story that children and adults of two worlds will probably respond to, it is also a testament to how young children love their grandparents, but when the children grow up and become adults themselves, they come to understand their grandparents through shared experiences.
June 24, 2016
A standalone biography of a grandson's remembrances of his grandfather's life that should really get a "6".
In 1994, Grandfather's Journey won the Caldecott Medal, and in 1993, it won the California Book Award Silver Medal for Juvenile.
My Take
It's beautiful yet sad. Say reminisces about his grandfather, his journey to America, his life, and his return to the Japan he misses. Say doesn't stop there, for he continues with his parents, and then to his own experience and feelings.
Beautiful. I know I said it before, but it does bear repeating. The paintings are so gorgeous, and the stories Say writes encapsulate the experience of many immigrants to America, only Say's version has such a lovely peacefulness to it.
The folded paper boat on the title page induced nostalgia when I saw it. That feeling of olden days carries through in the watercolor "photos" Say created as "Grandfather" provides a tour of America, from its plains to trains, the majesty of tall mountains and cities with their factories, from deserts to rivers, as Say slips back into life.
It's a life bridging two cultures, and as Say explains at the end: "The funny thing is, the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other".
The Story
A young man yearns for more and travels to America where he finds that more. A young man who grows older and appreciates what he has and has had.
The Characters
Grandfather is the subject while his grandson, Allen Say, narrates a simple story of what he knows of his grandfather.
The Cover and Title
The cover is subdued in its khaki brown frame of an inset picture with a young grandfather standing in front of the ship's rail with the heaving ocean in the background while he's wearing Western clothes for the first time: a black homburg and double-breasted black coat that comes to his ankles. The title is in white above the picture while the author's name is below.
The title is the journey we all take through life, and this story is Grandfather's Journey.
In 1994, Grandfather's Journey won the Caldecott Medal, and in 1993, it won the California Book Award Silver Medal for Juvenile.
My Take
It's beautiful yet sad. Say reminisces about his grandfather, his journey to America, his life, and his return to the Japan he misses. Say doesn't stop there, for he continues with his parents, and then to his own experience and feelings.
Beautiful. I know I said it before, but it does bear repeating. The paintings are so gorgeous, and the stories Say writes encapsulate the experience of many immigrants to America, only Say's version has such a lovely peacefulness to it.
The folded paper boat on the title page induced nostalgia when I saw it. That feeling of olden days carries through in the watercolor "photos" Say created as "Grandfather" provides a tour of America, from its plains to trains, the majesty of tall mountains and cities with their factories, from deserts to rivers, as Say slips back into life.
It's a life bridging two cultures, and as Say explains at the end: "The funny thing is, the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other".
The Story
A young man yearns for more and travels to America where he finds that more. A young man who grows older and appreciates what he has and has had.
The Characters
Grandfather is the subject while his grandson, Allen Say, narrates a simple story of what he knows of his grandfather.
The Cover and Title
The cover is subdued in its khaki brown frame of an inset picture with a young grandfather standing in front of the ship's rail with the heaving ocean in the background while he's wearing Western clothes for the first time: a black homburg and double-breasted black coat that comes to his ankles. The title is in white above the picture while the author's name is below.
The title is the journey we all take through life, and this story is Grandfather's Journey.
April 4, 2019
The immensely talented Allen Say won the Caldecott Medal for this beautiful picture-book tribute to his grandfather, and to the immigrant experience, and it is not difficult to see why! Using simple text and luminous artwork, he explores his grandfather's story: how he wanted to see the world, as a young man, and set out on a sea-voyage from his native Japan; how he ended up in the USA, and journeyed all over the country, eventually settling in California; how he found a bride in Japan, but raised his daughter in the states; how the family eventually returned to Japan, where the daughter married Allen Say's father; and how the grandfather longed, until his dying day, to see America one last time. Say concludes with a two page spread about his own experience living between two countries, an experience that has given him insight into his grandfather's life journey...
Grandfather's Journey, which I first read in 1993, the year it was released, and have just reread for The Picture-Book Club to which I belong, where our theme this month is "traveling," is a truly wonderful book, as emotionally powerful as it is aesthetically appealing. Say's artwork is always gorgeous - I love his use of light and shadow, and the different effects, whether gentle or harsh, that he achieves - and his story here is moving. There is all the simplicity of rightness here - everything works, in and of itself, and everything works together - making this a truly outstanding example of the picture-book genre. I finished it with a lump in my throat, as I always do. Highly recommended, to anyone who appreciates beautiful watercolor paintings, and to anyone looking for children's stories about family, and the experience of belonging to more than one culture and country.
Grandfather's Journey, which I first read in 1993, the year it was released, and have just reread for The Picture-Book Club to which I belong, where our theme this month is "traveling," is a truly wonderful book, as emotionally powerful as it is aesthetically appealing. Say's artwork is always gorgeous - I love his use of light and shadow, and the different effects, whether gentle or harsh, that he achieves - and his story here is moving. There is all the simplicity of rightness here - everything works, in and of itself, and everything works together - making this a truly outstanding example of the picture-book genre. I finished it with a lump in my throat, as I always do. Highly recommended, to anyone who appreciates beautiful watercolor paintings, and to anyone looking for children's stories about family, and the experience of belonging to more than one culture and country.
July 25, 2018
A true classic for all ages. Profound enough for youngsters to cut their philosophical teeth on, historical enough for teachers, and simple enough for too-busy parents. And beautiful.
I'm sure this is at least my third read.
I'm sure this is at least my third read.
February 2, 2024
This picture book is so beautiful, so heartfelt, and so honest that I didn't want it to end. I was tearing up in the last few pages, it was that touching.
I have never met the author, Allen Say, but I just added him to my shortlist of people, dead or alive, I'd love to have dinner with if/when the universe ever grants such wishes. He has a fascinating mind, and what appears to be a truly generous heart.
I have never met the author, Allen Say, but I just added him to my shortlist of people, dead or alive, I'd love to have dinner with if/when the universe ever grants such wishes. He has a fascinating mind, and what appears to be a truly generous heart.
August 20, 2018
This is a wonderful story about the life of a man from Japan. Early on, he travels extensively throughout the US and then returns home to raise his family.
The pictures are amazing, as you would expect for a Caldecott Medal winner, and they tell a beautiful story of the man's life, as he grows up, starts a family and passes on his story to a younger generation.
The narrative is simple, often one or two sentences per page, but it is enough to weave a beautiful tale, a heartfelt memoir of the author's grandfather.
This story was selected as one of the books for the August 2012 - Traveling reads at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
It was also featured in the October 2016 - Quarterly Caldecott discussion at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
In addition, it was selected as one of the books for the July 2018 - Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Picture Book Winners 1991-1999 discussion at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
interesting quote:
"The funny thing is, the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other." (p. 31)
The pictures are amazing, as you would expect for a Caldecott Medal winner, and they tell a beautiful story of the man's life, as he grows up, starts a family and passes on his story to a younger generation.
The narrative is simple, often one or two sentences per page, but it is enough to weave a beautiful tale, a heartfelt memoir of the author's grandfather.
This story was selected as one of the books for the August 2012 - Traveling reads at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
It was also featured in the October 2016 - Quarterly Caldecott discussion at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
In addition, it was selected as one of the books for the July 2018 - Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Picture Book Winners 1991-1999 discussion at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
interesting quote:
"The funny thing is, the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other." (p. 31)
August 27, 2016
Caldecott winner. Beautiful book based on the story of the author's grandfather and his journey from Japan to America.
July 14, 2012
I enjoyed this children's picture book very much. The art is very good and the story even better. This is a story about three generations of one family where the grandfather came to the USA as a young man from Japan and fell in love with the country, especially California and the San Francisco area where he finally settles. We see the places he goes and his reactions to these marvels.
He returns to Japan to marry his childhood sweetheart and returns to San Francisco. Their daughter is born there and life is happy until he becomes so homesick he wants to return home for a visit when his daughter is very nearly an adult. While there, the daughter who has never been out of the USA and is an all-American girl, is like a fish out of water among the traditional Japanese but her father buys a house and decides to stay.
The daughter marries and has a son of her own- the author. As the boy grows, his grandfather is now homesick for California! It seems that if he is in California, he misses Japan but if he is in Japan, he misses California. The grandfather plans to visit California but when the Japanesde bomb Pearl Harbor, he cannot and by the end of the war, the Americans have attacked innocent civilians- babies, school kids, housewives, and the sick and elderly- and left their homes in rubbles and so many dead or with cancer or burns. He never does return but his grandson (the author) winds up moving to California and falling in love with it but has the same problem- whichever country he is in, he is homesick for the others.
This book is an excellent way to introduce kids to the idea of people coming from one place to the USA and loving both places. It also shows the way our choices can affect us and our loved ones. Imagine being a 17 year old girl and living only in the USA then being expected to go to Japan where everything is radically different and to fit in and live there the rest of your life. Picture also being a young Japanese man who suddenly is in western clothes and eating western food and expecting to fit into western culture. These are things that fascinate me and I think you and your children would love to read this. Teachers should consider this as a class read-aloud.
He returns to Japan to marry his childhood sweetheart and returns to San Francisco. Their daughter is born there and life is happy until he becomes so homesick he wants to return home for a visit when his daughter is very nearly an adult. While there, the daughter who has never been out of the USA and is an all-American girl, is like a fish out of water among the traditional Japanese but her father buys a house and decides to stay.
The daughter marries and has a son of her own- the author. As the boy grows, his grandfather is now homesick for California! It seems that if he is in California, he misses Japan but if he is in Japan, he misses California. The grandfather plans to visit California but when the Japanesde bomb Pearl Harbor, he cannot and by the end of the war, the Americans have attacked innocent civilians- babies, school kids, housewives, and the sick and elderly- and left their homes in rubbles and so many dead or with cancer or burns. He never does return but his grandson (the author) winds up moving to California and falling in love with it but has the same problem- whichever country he is in, he is homesick for the others.
This book is an excellent way to introduce kids to the idea of people coming from one place to the USA and loving both places. It also shows the way our choices can affect us and our loved ones. Imagine being a 17 year old girl and living only in the USA then being expected to go to Japan where everything is radically different and to fit in and live there the rest of your life. Picture also being a young Japanese man who suddenly is in western clothes and eating western food and expecting to fit into western culture. These are things that fascinate me and I think you and your children would love to read this. Teachers should consider this as a class read-aloud.
January 12, 2022
Beautiful. Through memorable pictures and candid words, Allen Say captures the simple formality and quiet beauty of Japanese traditional culture. Grandfather's Journey is a story about the wonder, belonging, and homesickness that comes from loving two different cultures. Perhaps it has a special place in my heart since my own mother comes from Japan. Perhaps it holds a sense of nostalgia for me because she read it to me and my siblings when we were little. All told, it's a beautiful book, and one I know I'll treasure always.
September 25, 2013
This is a wonderful story of a man torn between his love for two countries. Allen Say's grandfather left his home of Japan to see the world. Everything astonished or amazed him as he made his way West across North American into California, which he loved the most. He returned to Japan to marry but came back to the U.S. to settle in San Fancisco until he missed his homeland so much that he had to return. After many years had passed he could not forget California with it's mountains and rivers and planned to return but was never able to. Allen Say heard his grandfather's wonderful stories of California went to see it and he too fell in love with the land but eventually missed his homeland and had to return every now and then to stop the aching in his heart.
The watercolor illustrations are beautiful and the colors are warm and soft and show such a simplier time. That is until World War II. Then the pictures show the sadness of the time, a boy dressed as a soldier and the destruction caused in the city where Say's grandfather had lived. After that, the grandfather looks old and tired as he still aches to see California one last time. This would be a great book to introduce immigration and different cultures to students. They see the cultural differences and how even though you may be a part of the United States you can still long for your own culture and want to still have that connection with the past. This is another book that you can pair with a non-fiction book on Japan to learn more about the culture.
The watercolor illustrations are beautiful and the colors are warm and soft and show such a simplier time. That is until World War II. Then the pictures show the sadness of the time, a boy dressed as a soldier and the destruction caused in the city where Say's grandfather had lived. After that, the grandfather looks old and tired as he still aches to see California one last time. This would be a great book to introduce immigration and different cultures to students. They see the cultural differences and how even though you may be a part of the United States you can still long for your own culture and want to still have that connection with the past. This is another book that you can pair with a non-fiction book on Japan to learn more about the culture.
February 5, 2014
I liked this book a lot. A young man who leaves his homeland in Japan to travel to America has some mixed thoughts. He falls in love with it at first, but begins to miss his homeland and decides to travel back to Japan to see all the beautiful sights that he never appreciated before and to see his sweetheart. He ends up marrying her and brings the new wife back to California. They made their home by the San Francisco bay and ended up having a daughter. When his daughter is grown, she leaves America to travel to Japan and raise her own family. She loves Japan and her son grows up hearing about his grandfather who lives in America. This boy ends up writing the story and eventually travels to America. It is in America that he comes to an understanding about how his grandfather felt about his travels.
The illustrations in this book are still life photos of landscapes and people. I would use this in my classroom by reading them the story and then having them work on their fine motor skills by drawing a picture of their family and a background of where they are from.
The illustrations in this book are still life photos of landscapes and people. I would use this in my classroom by reading them the story and then having them work on their fine motor skills by drawing a picture of their family and a background of where they are from.
July 17, 2021
1994 Caldecott
Illustrations 5, Story 3. A melancholy story about a boy's grandfather that left Japan and traveled in the USA. He loved California, but ultimately returned to Japan to get married. Back to the USA to live, but returned to Japan only to find war in the years ahead. Sadly, as a grandfather, he did not get to return to the US, but his grandson (author) did. He, in turn, has the same home-sickness for the other country and returns to visit.
I'm sure immigrant children can identify quickly with this story. The illustrations are excellent. But the story doesn't really advance the book for small children to say "Again", or for bigger children to check it out again from their library. 3.5+ so round to 4
Illustrations 5, Story 3. A melancholy story about a boy's grandfather that left Japan and traveled in the USA. He loved California, but ultimately returned to Japan to get married. Back to the USA to live, but returned to Japan only to find war in the years ahead. Sadly, as a grandfather, he did not get to return to the US, but his grandson (author) did. He, in turn, has the same home-sickness for the other country and returns to visit.
I'm sure immigrant children can identify quickly with this story. The illustrations are excellent. But the story doesn't really advance the book for small children to say "Again", or for bigger children to check it out again from their library. 3.5+ so round to 4
December 15, 2019
This is a story that talks about the narrator’s grandfather’s and the journey from Japan to America. The illustrations show what the grandfather’s journey and stay in American and Japan was like. It was very interesting. It follows the grandfather, then the narrator’s mother and then the grandson, the narrator, who himself goes to America because of the stories his grandfather told him. He felt closer to his grandfather. It would be a good story to talk about with students about how their families came to America and what is their ancestor stories. Or to talk about how different groups at different times had different journeys to America.
October 30, 2008
This Caldecott Medal winning book tells of his Grandfather's emigration to America and his eventual return to Japan, along with his wife and Daughter (whose story is told from her point of view in Say's Tea with Milk). His grandfather was torn between his love for both countries, and his plan to return to America was shattered by World War II. Exquisite watercolor paintings express the beauties of each country.
December 15, 2019
This is only the second book by Say that I've read, but I'll watch for others. I doubt that it would be a favorite -- it lacks emotional pull in both text and art.
As an immigrant, Say writes, The funny thing is, the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other.
I imagine that will ring true for many immigrants. I know it was true for my grandparents.
This book is fiction; I'd like to know how much of it is autobiographical.
I donated the book.
As an immigrant, Say writes, The funny thing is, the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other.
I imagine that will ring true for many immigrants. I know it was true for my grandparents.
This book is fiction; I'd like to know how much of it is autobiographical.
I donated the book.
September 23, 2018
One of my favorites.
1994 Caldecott Award Winner
Allen Say is Japanese American, which I think, makes the story of his Grandfather's Journey so much more meaningful.
The semi-biographical story of Allen's Grandfather immigrating from Japan to California, his homesickness and the conflict that brings to his life, family, and dreams, but all ends well;
The illustrations appear to be almost photographs, but they're drawn and they're exquisetely beautiful;
1994 Caldecott Award Winner
Allen Say is Japanese American, which I think, makes the story of his Grandfather's Journey so much more meaningful.
The semi-biographical story of Allen's Grandfather immigrating from Japan to California, his homesickness and the conflict that brings to his life, family, and dreams, but all ends well;
The illustrations appear to be almost photographs, but they're drawn and they're exquisetely beautiful;
September 13, 2012
A touching story about a grandfather, his descendants, and his love for traveling. I particularly enjoyed the photograph-like illustrations and connections to California/Japan across generations.
I feel that anyone could enjoy this book but older children or adults may find this book more meaningful because of the complexity of the grandfather's journey and the generational bonds.
I feel that anyone could enjoy this book but older children or adults may find this book more meaningful because of the complexity of the grandfather's journey and the generational bonds.
October 19, 2014
A moving story of Say's own grandfather and his lifetime of dealing with the ramifications of having roots in two cultures.
November 20, 2018
A beautiful reflection on family and home and identity (and beautiful illustrations to boot!)
May 5, 2019
can you have two homes ?
i guess one can have an endless number of homes if he wants to
i guess one can have an endless number of homes if he wants to
November 4, 2010
This stunning book is a picture book that I would consider using with high school students when we discuss the process and history of American immigration and assimilation. In this picture book, the author, Allen Say, shares the story of his grandfather who was born and raised in Japan. Eager to see the world, he journeys to the United States and marvels at the natural and varied beauties of the country. The large water-color illustrations are like large-format photographs, faded with age and sepia-toned and make the book feel like you are flipping through a treasured family album. I loved the illustrations of Say's grandfather dwarfed by Western rock formations or adrift in a sea of waving prairie grass. Say's grandfather eventually settles in San Francisco after returning to Japan to marry his childhood sweetheart. The couple have a daughter who was raised in America. Restless to see his Japanese home again, Say's grandfather crosses the ocean back to Japan. His longing is sated with visits to family and friends and childhood haunts. In Japan, his daughter marries and has a son, the author. The story takes a more intimate turn as Say recounts his fond memories of visiting his grandfather and listening to his stories about California. We feel Say's grandfather restlessness and longing returning for his other "home;" however, he is never able to return to that "home" because of WW II. The family's fortune is gone (a fact emphasized by a stark illustration of the family standing on top of rubble), and Say's grandfather cannot travel back to California. Instead, Say journeys to America as a young man and settles here. Again, he marries and has children, but he claims that "the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other" --- explaining that he crosses the ocean back and forth between Japan and the United States in order to fulfill a desire to be a part of both places. This simultaneously contradicting longing for both places is simply stated and imaginatively illustrated with contrasting images of Say's grandfather in Western and Japanese clothing, looking equally comfortable in both. However, this feeling of belonging and "otherness" is a complicated aspect of immigration and assimilation that students struggle to understand. How can a person feel like he/she belongs to two places simultaneously? This book does a lovely job trying to communicate this strange sense of "twoness" that does not favor one identity over the other. For older students, this book could open conversations about what the assimilation process asks/forces individuals to give up or change in order to be "accepted" and whether a "melting pot" vs. a "tossed salad" metaphor for the American experience is a more accurate or "better" description/outcome. For younger children, I see this book as a way into personal family stories. That is to say, I can see younger children imitating the format of the book, tracing the journey of a family member -- parent, grandparent, etc, -- to this country. Of course, such an assignment assumes no Native American children and that students have stories of immigration/assimilation that are remembered within the family and/or that the family is willing to share with outsiders.
February 5, 2011
Grandfather’s Journey by Allen Say tells the story of his grandfather who longed to travel the world. Allen’s grandfather leaves Japan for America or “the new world,” He shakes hands with “white,red, and yellow men” finally settling in California (San Francisco). Allen’s grandfather was never completely at peace whether he was in America or in Japan. He goes home to marry his childhood sweet heart and comes back to San Francisco to raise his daughter. In the end, Allen’s grandfather end’s up moving his entire family back to Japan but the same wonder lust is passed down to his grandson Allen.
The illustration’s background and sequence paint a stunning story even without reading the words. Allen’s grandfather is depicted wearing tradition Japanese garb on one page while on the next page he is seen in a full suit. Comparison between the two photos is unavoidable as they can both be viewed at the same time. Many of the illustrations backgrounds feature traditional American setting; wheat fields, industrial city, and the Sierra Mountains which evoke feelings of nostalgia. Illustrations like these would easily prompt debate on cultural identity and cultural convergence.
Allen’s grandfather seems to have developed a deep appreciation for both cultures without judgment or conflict. The book also touches on the destruction of Japan by America. After the destruction his grandfather did not keep anymore songbirds birds likely due to the fact that they reminded him to much of his village that was destroyed. Further discussion to could explore alternate reasons behind his lifestyle change.
As a teacher I would utilize this book to question whether or not adopting new cultural practices is detrimental to identity or whether it is necessary in order for someone to realize who they really are. I think many people particularly minorities are grappling with this question and only through open dialogue can we hope to achieve some understanding.
The illustration’s background and sequence paint a stunning story even without reading the words. Allen’s grandfather is depicted wearing tradition Japanese garb on one page while on the next page he is seen in a full suit. Comparison between the two photos is unavoidable as they can both be viewed at the same time. Many of the illustrations backgrounds feature traditional American setting; wheat fields, industrial city, and the Sierra Mountains which evoke feelings of nostalgia. Illustrations like these would easily prompt debate on cultural identity and cultural convergence.
Allen’s grandfather seems to have developed a deep appreciation for both cultures without judgment or conflict. The book also touches on the destruction of Japan by America. After the destruction his grandfather did not keep anymore songbirds birds likely due to the fact that they reminded him to much of his village that was destroyed. Further discussion to could explore alternate reasons behind his lifestyle change.
As a teacher I would utilize this book to question whether or not adopting new cultural practices is detrimental to identity or whether it is necessary in order for someone to realize who they really are. I think many people particularly minorities are grappling with this question and only through open dialogue can we hope to achieve some understanding.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2011
This is a story that will be particularly appreciated by anyone who has tried to straddle more than one culture and finds themselves at home in both and neither.
Allen Say recounts his grandfather’s life in America and his Japanese homeland. This is a large book and it opens with a portrait of Say’s grandfather in traditional Japanese dress, transitioning to him in European dress on page two, aboard a steamboat for the USA. Each page has a large, subdued illustration of new experiences; vast coastlines and desert rocks, with just one or two short sentences conveying much. There is one beautiful ‘painting’ of the grandfather waist high in a field of undulating wheat,
“The endless farm fields reminded him of the ocean he had crossed. “
Despite covering vast distances and encountering many new people and places, each new advenrure making him hungry for more, he does return to Japan to marry his childhood sweetheart, whom he brings back to California. As his daughter grows, so does his yearning to see his homeland, thus they return to Japan and here, Say himself is born. WWII breaks out and prevents the grandfather ever returning to his beloved US.
Say has listened to his grandfather’s stories and so he in turn takes a trip to California and is wooed by its charms, staying to raise his own daughter. He still visits Japan, but,
“The funny thing is, the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other.”
This is a timeless and memorable biography of one family and two cultures brought to life in few words, which, not surprisingly, won a Caldecott medal in 1994. The jacket cover is not very appealing to a child’s eye and I have often passed over this book because of this in our school library. It was a review on someone else’s site that enticed me, and it is a truly moving story.
Allen Say recounts his grandfather’s life in America and his Japanese homeland. This is a large book and it opens with a portrait of Say’s grandfather in traditional Japanese dress, transitioning to him in European dress on page two, aboard a steamboat for the USA. Each page has a large, subdued illustration of new experiences; vast coastlines and desert rocks, with just one or two short sentences conveying much. There is one beautiful ‘painting’ of the grandfather waist high in a field of undulating wheat,
“The endless farm fields reminded him of the ocean he had crossed. “
Despite covering vast distances and encountering many new people and places, each new advenrure making him hungry for more, he does return to Japan to marry his childhood sweetheart, whom he brings back to California. As his daughter grows, so does his yearning to see his homeland, thus they return to Japan and here, Say himself is born. WWII breaks out and prevents the grandfather ever returning to his beloved US.
Say has listened to his grandfather’s stories and so he in turn takes a trip to California and is wooed by its charms, staying to raise his own daughter. He still visits Japan, but,
“The funny thing is, the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other.”
This is a timeless and memorable biography of one family and two cultures brought to life in few words, which, not surprisingly, won a Caldecott medal in 1994. The jacket cover is not very appealing to a child’s eye and I have often passed over this book because of this in our school library. It was a review on someone else’s site that enticed me, and it is a truly moving story.
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