Title: My Grandfather’s Journey
Author/Illustrator: Allan Say
Awards: Caldecott Honor, Oregon Book Award
Focus of Book: Biography Picture Book
Overview of Author:
Allan Say was born in Japan and has lived in both Japan and the United States. He has worked as a sign painter, a photographer, and been in the U.S. Army. He is inspired by Japanese and Japanese American characters.
Book Summary:
My Grandfather’s Journey is the story of the author’s grandfather moving from Japan to the United States, and back again. He is amazed by the landscape of the United States, but also misses his home. Later, the grandson who was born in Japan and visits the United States, finds that he has the same experiences and feelings as his grandfather.
Analysis of Writing Elements
The written text of My Grandfather’s Journey is concise, with each page having only a couple of sentences. The concise nature of the writing makes the story relatable and understandable. Yet the language draws the reader in, similar to poetry. For example, “He marveled at the towering mountains and rivers as clear as the sky” (p. 8). The figurative language shows us what Grandfather is experiencing, instead of telling us. Say’s use of language is precise and does not condescend to the age of the reader. He writes, for example, “He raised warblers and silvereyes, but he could not forget the mountains and rivers of California” (p.22). The language creates a tone of longing, beauty, and appreciation.
My Grandfather’s Journey is a book that promotes sociocultural constructivism. Students are able to look at the world from another perspective and imagine how they might feel in this situation. Students may also have personal or familial connections to the story. These connections and class discussion about this book will promote reflection and construction of meaning.
Reference
Say, A. (1993). Grandfather’s journey. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Between the Trees 
I loved your analysis of Allen Say’s precise yet poetic language. His words are brief and to-the-point, yet still show young readers the powerful imagery of the American landscape through his grandfather’s eyes. I also appreciated how you stated that “Students are able to look at the world from another perspective.” This is so important for today’s young people, and I think books like Grandfather’s Journey belong in every home and classroom library.
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