Grandfather's Journey by Allen Say
Say, A. (2008). Grandfather’s journey. Sandpiper. (A. Say, Illustrator) ISBN 9780547076805
Grandfather's Journey is a tribute to Allen Say's grandpa who made the journey from Japan to California, back to his hometown that he loved so much.
\ Grandfather's Journey was a very quick read, at only 32 pages in length. Despite the short book Allen Say was able to deliver a powerful story about longing to be at home, in your home away from home. The introduction from Allen Say at the beginning of the title gives readers insight of how close and personal this story is to him, and reading how it made him happy that his grandfathers spirit will continue to live on beyond his life, made me happy as well because you can tell that Allen Say really cared for his grandfather.
As a kid, many of the decisions that adults make are made with little to no input from the kid, or no answer as to why what was happening, was happening. Had Say asked his grandfather when he was younger, why he went from Japan to California, back to Japan, he may have not received an answer, and ultimately would not be able to get an answer as his grandfather passed away. Despite his grandfathers passing, Allen was still able to connect with him by traveling to California himself, with allowed for him finally understand the feelings his grandfather had when he would think of his home. While the story was a bit sad because of the realization that his grandfather never got to return to California, readers will rejoice at the end when they realize that Say made that trip not only for himself, but for his grandfather.
In the introduction, Say discusses the inspiration for the story, and how he's had it in mind since 1986, and how since then he had a series of images that he painted, then shelved that ultimately become this title. I do think this book was meant to be because it happened by chance that the book was able to be published. By carrying his painting around, Say was able to publish this book, which would be a great addition to any elementary history unit where immigrant is mentioned. It will give the younger students the opportunity to understand that why some people have to immigrant and how it is not always an easy choice. The paintings in the book add a level of rawness to the story, knowing that Allen Say himself painted them for the story he wrote as a tribute to his grandfather. The images (for the most part) are simple, and look to be done with watercolors, but even the simpler paintings, they are still stunning.
What do readers think of Grandfather's Journey? Kirkus Review states that Grandfather's Journey is "lovely [and] quiet - with a tenderness and warmth new to this fine illustrator's work." After reading, if you still have the opportunity to (and you feel comfortable with the idea) ask your grandparents about their life, and learn how it was for them when they were younger. Chances are, they might enjoy getting to tell you about their life! As mentioned in Grandfather's Journey, our grandparents won't be here forever, so enjoy the time you have with them now, and get to learn as much as you can about them now, before it's too late. If you enjoyed this title, you may also like Ojiichan's Gift by Chieri Uegaki.
Awards and Honors for Grandfather's Journey:
- Randolph Caldecott Medal
References
Grandfather’s journey. ALA. (n.d.). https://www.ala.org/winner/grandfathers-journey-0
Grandfather’s journey. Kirkus Reviews. (1993, October 1). https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/allen-say/grandfathers-journey/
Say, A. (2008). Grandfather’s journey. Sandpiper. (A. Say, Illustrator) ISBN 9780547076805
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