Grandfather’s Journey by Allen Say

Title: Grandfather’s Journey

Author: Allen Say

Illustrator: Allen Say

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin (2008)

ISBN: 9780547076805

 

Grandfather’s Journey by Allan Say is a poignant picture book that highlights immigration, belonging, family and perspectives.

 

“My grandfather was a young man when he left his home in Japan and went to see the world.” Say writes about his grandfather’s journey across the Pacific Ocean and his travels in America. He returns to Japan to marry his childhood sweetheart. He takes her to America to have a family but longs to return to Japan. Once back in Japan, his daughter marries and Allen Say was born. 

As the grandfather grows older, he reminisces about his old life in California. He decides to return, but the war puts a stop to his plans. He never returns to California, but when Say grows up he travels there himself, marrying and having a family. Like his grandfather, he misses Japan and often returns. “The funny thing is, the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other.”