people and places

Allen Say tells the story of his own grandfather, who was born in Japan, raised a family in California, and returned to Japan, where Say was born. The text is very simple, as are the illustrations. The story is quite touching as the grandfather ages, and can never return to his beloved second home, because of WWII. Cultural differences, such as dress, are shown, as is the unchanging importance of family and tradtion.The author also moved to California as a young man, and now understands even more about his grandfather. This is liked by children 7-9, and adults will appreciate it on their own level. After your child reads this book, I recommend Allen Say's book, "Tree of Cranes."

Allen Say has combined his love of family history and his talent for evocative illustration to create this wonderful story to share with your own family! He retells his grandfather's story of immigration, imparting not only the wonder he experiences being in his new country, but also conveying the angst he feels at being away from his land of birth. These feelings are expressed exquisitely in the paintings which bring to mind photograhs of that period in history. In addition, there are many springboard opportunities for discussions. The photographic paintings elicit questions from your children that will begin conversations about methods of travel, different regions of our own country, differences between cultures, and differences between the time that is illustrated and the time we are living in now. A valuable book on so many levels, you will be glad you chose to share this with your children!

As part of a summer course I am taking at WV State University I would like to review this book. It is a great book for a teacher to use. It could be used with the following themes: grandfathers, countries, homesickness and loss. The pictures are beautiful and so is the story.