Grandfather's Journey

Gradfather's Journey

Sometimes 'the grass ins't always greener on the other side.' In Allen Say's story both places were equally beautiful and wonderful. But in both places there was always something missing. This book can illustrate through his grandfather's journey the various wonders of our land the mountain, the rivers, and the grasslands. I enjoyed reading this book. Also, I can see why he won the Caldecott Medal for illustrations. They were beautiful. Allen Say like his grandfather traveled from Japan to America and can understand the desire to be in both places at once. Say, Allen. Grandfather's Journey. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. 1993.

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Great book for a classroom

This book is written with a lot of voice and it tells a story with vivid language. An amazing book for elementary age children

1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

A wonderful story of home is where the heart is.

In the book grandfather's Journey by Allen Say, the grandson tells of his grandfather's journey to the new world. In the book he is originally from Japan and travels to California, where he falls in love with the land. He is torn and homesick for each place California and Japan when not there. The grandson later in the story grows up to understand how his grandfather felt. Allen say did a wonderful job with the text as well as the illustrations in the story.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Torn Between Two Places

Grandfather's Journey is a Caldecott Medal Winner with very good reason. The story is told by the author, Allen Say. Say tells the story of his grandfather's journey from Japan to America. His grandfather loved America but missed his homeland of Japan. He returned to Japan to marry his first love. However, he begins to miss America and returns, where he and his wife raise their daughter. Grandfather begins to miss Japan once more and returns. When Say is born his favorite memories are those spent with his grandfather and hearing tales of California. When Say is old enough he travels to America and realizes why his father was so torn between which country he would like to call home. Will Say make his home in Japan or America? You must read to find out. This is a great story to teach children about history. It is very discriptive and the illustrations are wonderful. This book is recommended for 3rd and 4th grade levels.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Very Encouraging through the words and beautiful illustrations.

¿A good story should alter you in some way it should change your thinking, your feeling, your psyche, or the way you look at things. A story is an abstract experience it's rather like venturing through a maze. When you come out of it, you should feel slightly changed¿ as Allen Say would reply. Allen is well known because of the book, Grandfather¿s Journey. He received the Caldecott Award for this book 1994. Many of his books have autobiographical features to them, and he concentrates mainly on the Japan-American and Japanese characters in his stories. Grandfather¿s Journey is a story about Allen Say¿s grandfather¿s life trying to live in America and Japan. He loves both countries and he desires to be at both places at once. In the book, it says ¿The funny thing is, the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other. I think I know my grandfather now. I miss him very much.¿ This story shows people how relationships can be important and how a person can affect our life. It is a very encouraging story and the illustrations are wonderful. The level of the book is third grade. I encourage to people to read this book because I absolutely loved it. It moved me through the encouraging words and beautiful illustrations. Say, Allen. Grandfather¿s Journey. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1993.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Gradfather's journeyy Read this book!!!!!!!!!!

This book is very moving

READDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!+

Omg this is such a good book i read it in my reading class last week so good and itjust so happens that the forien exchange student from south korea in my fourth gr class has been to the place in japan he was born

Hi people

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Have you ever felt like you just didn¿t fit in....that you belonged somewhere else?

This is exactly how the characters felt in this story. Grandfather¿s Journey is the story of a man who struggles to determine where his true home is the United States or Japan. The story is told from the perspective of his grandson. After leaving his homeland in Japan, the grandfather travels to the United States and establishes a new home in San Francisco, California. He loves his new home but he still longs for his old homeland. He becomes homesick for the mountains, rivers and old friends in Japan. He eventually returns to Japan He laughs with his friends in his home village and for a time is happy. But in time he finds that he then misses San Francisco. The grandson grows up to find himself in a similar situation, ¿ The moment I am in on country, I am homesick for the other.¿ Because of this, whenever he thinks of his grandfather he understands him more than ever. I enjoyed reading this book immensely and as a future educator, I feel that children can discover emotions that are experienced by immigrants as they move to different countries. Grandfather's Journey is a beautifully illustrated story which deserves to be read by people of all ages.

Grandfather's Journey

Grandfather¿s Journey is a book about Allen Say¿s own personal life about his grandfather. Say¿s grandfather was originally from Japan. One his grandfather set out on s boat to explore the world. He went through some picturesque towns and saw some of the most vivid lands in America. He met people of different color that he had no idea existed. Say¿s grandfather ended up on the west coast in beautiful California. His grandfather missed his family and friends dearly that he a left in Japan, so he decided that he would return home to visit. In the meantime he married his life long love and had a daughter. She grew up, got married and Allen. Allen¿s grandfather always told him marvelous stories about his journey to America, but he wanted him to experience it for himself. They had planned to travel to America but a war came, causing Allen Say to journey to America by himself. Say cherishes the memory of his grandfather and being in America made him understand his grandfather¿s passion. Say, Allen. Grandfather¿s Journey. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1993

Grandfather's Journey

Grandfather¿s Journey is a Caldecott medal book. This book is written by a grandson that reflects on his grandfather¿s journey to America. His grandfather loved his childhood country of Japan but he loved America. After his grandfather married his childhood sweetheart he moved back to America. ¿He remembered the mountains and rivers of his home. He surrounded himself with songbirds, but he could not forget.¿ Will grandfather return to Japan or stay in America? This book would be for grades 3rd-6th. I loved this book. It made me think about my grandfather traveling while he was in the Navy. I had never thought to ask him why he decided to move to Kentucky, until I read this book. Allen Say wrote and illustrated this book. He was born in Yokohama, Japan. He came to the United States when he was sixteen. He now lives in San Franciso. Say, Allen. Grandfather¿s Journey. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1993.

Grandfather's Journey

The Caldecott Medal Award Winner titled Grandfather¿s Journey by Allen Say is undeniably creditable for a rating of a five. This story is factually filled with biographic, attention-grabbing details about Allen¿s family unit history which unsurprisingly draws the readers directly into the story. Also, the information given by Allen in the story, especially the ending, reaches out and touches the hearts of his readers in an extremely emotional approach. The protagonist of this unforgettable story is clearly the author of this book which is Allen Say. The setting of the story takes place both in Japan and in America. The illustrations in this book are truly remarkable paintings, some of which consist of Allen Say and his grandfather. Allen presents the viewers and listeners with genuine facts about his grandfather¿s fulfilling and adventurous journey from Japan to America. This book is classified in the Biography or Autobiography genre chiefly because it contains factual information about his grandfather¿s as well as his own life situations. The theme of this biography is observably clear consisting of his grandfather¿s various journey¿s going back and forth from Japan to America. Like Allen¿s grandfather Allen couldn¿t make up his mind whether he wanted to stay in America or Japan. For instance, the text reads ¿The funny thing is, the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other¿. This picture book is age appropriate for ages four to eight. Although, the plot in this biography may be too sophisticated for the younger audiences. This story is astonishingly well written to naturally capture the complete interest of the reader and audience without delays. Allen Say was initially born in Yokohama, Japan. His was sixteen years of age upon his first arrival to America. The author Allen Say has won numerous awards for his works including both the ALA Notable Children¿s Book award and Notable Children¿s Trade Book award for his latest work titled ¿Tree of Cranes¿ namely in the field of ¿social studies¿. Say, Allen. Grandfather¿s Journey. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company 1993.

A compelling autobiography as a author remembers is grandfather.

Grandfather's Journey, by Allen Say is the story of his own grandfather's life. The story is about a man from Japan who wants to see the world. His first journey takes place on a steamship setting across the Pacific Ocean. After 3 weeks, he finally sets foot in North America, where he saw everything the land had to offer. California was the place he loved the most, for the author wrote, ' He loved the strong sunset there, the Sierra Mountains, and the lonely seacoast. Eventually he returned to the village and married his childhood sweetheart, and soon moved to the San Francisco Bay. This is were their daughter was born. The grandfather began to miss Japan, and when the time was right, he and his family moved back to their homeland. Soon they were faced with difficult obsticles and the grandfather once again began to miss California. Now he had a grandson, whom he shared his stories with, and through his grandson he was able to travel with memories. It was through his grandfather, that he began to make his own journey's. The main theme of the book that no matter where we are, we are always longing for more until we get there. The author/illustrator, Allen Say, was born in Yokohama, Japan, in 1937. At age 6, he wanted to become a cartoonist, and at age 12, was apprenticed by cartoonist, Noro Shinpei. His first book was published in 1972, but it wasn't until 1987 that Allen wanted to make a full commentment to writing and illustrating. In 1994 he won the Caldecott medal for Grandfather's Journey. Allen Say now lives in Portland, Oregon with his family. I enjoyed reading Grandfather's Journey. It kind of made me want to travel and explore new places. I loved the illustrations the most. They were amazing with the landscapes. They almost seemed real. I would recommend this book to grades K-3. It is a easy read with some interesting information. Children everywhere will be asking their grandfather's about their journeys in life. Say, Allen. Grandfather's Journey. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1993.

A Journey

Have you ever wanted to be two places at one time? In this Caldecott Medal winning book the main character has this problem. An autobiographical story about a man who travels to the New World from his homeland, Japan, and it amazed by all the things he sees. The more he traveled the more he wanted to see. Finally he returns to his home country of Japan and marries but he does not stop traveling. He moves his new wife to San Francisco and starts a family. As he grows old he starts to miss his homeland, so once again he moves back to Japan. He often tells his grandchild about California and how he would like to see it again one day. Unfortunately he is not able to return so his grandson goes on the adventure for him. The Grandchild loves both countries, ¿The funny thing is, the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other.¿ Just like his grandfather, he too wanted to be two places at one time. Allen Say was born in Japan and came to the United States when he was sixteen. He lives in San Francisco like his grandfather once did. His written words and colorful illustrations make this Caldecott Medal winning book a treasure to read.

High Historical and Cultural Value

This is very good book that brings together two different cultures. The illustrations accurately show the different landscapes of America and how diverse it is. It¿s the story of a boy¿s grandfather journeying to America from Japan where he falls in love with California. Later his grandparents and mother return to Japan and the boy is born sometime later. It shows how you can love two different cultures and long to have both of them in your life. If his grandfather had never traveled to America, he might not have came to love California too. I highly recommend this book especially for its¿ cultural and historical value.

Interesting

Through compelling reminiscences of his grandfather¿s life in America and Japan, a man tell the story of his grandfather¿s journey. He tells how his grandfather loved two countries and traveled back and forth often. ¿When in one country he would invariably miss the other.¿ In the end the man ¿understands his grandfather more.¿

College Review for Class

Long for far away places? Then this children¿s picture book ¿Grandfather¿s Journey¿ a 1994 Caldecott Medal is the right book for you to read. The story is told about a young man¿s grandfather who left his home in Japan and went to see the world. He explored North America by train and riverboat, and often walked for days on end. He saw the desert, farm land, huge cities and towering mountains and rivers as clear as the sky. And the people he met along the way. The more he traveled, the more he longed to see new places, and never thought of returning home. But of all the places he visited, he liked California best. Then after some time, he started longing for home. Returning to his home land, he married his childhood sweetheart, and then brought her to the new country where they had a baby girl and when the daughter grew, he thought about his homeland and his old friends. So, he took his family back to his home land in Japan and after some time, he thought about ¿¿ To find out if grandfather¿s journey takes me back to the place he called home in California, read this book by Allen Say to find out what happens. The author Allen Say was born in Yokohama, Japan, and came to the United States when he was sixteen. He lives in San Francisco. Other books you will enjoy by this author and illustrator are: The Lost Lake, A River Dream, and The Bicycle Man. Say Allen, Grandfather¿s Journey, Houghton Mifflin Company: Boston 1993

A man from Japan.

This is a biography of the author's grandfather who is from Japan and travels to America. The man loves Califronia and all of the things it has to offer. This is a great story that shows children that biographys does not have to be boring. This is a good book for children to become associated to what immigrants from other countries have to deal with when coming to America for the first time. This story would be appropriate for children seven to ten and is in the biography category. Allen first won the Caldecott Medal in 1994 for Grandfather's Journey. Allen Say now lives in Portland, Oregon with his family.

The illustrations tell the story beautifully.

Grandfather¿s Journey is a wonderfully written story illustrating the saying ¿The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence,¿ The Grandfather travels from Japan to see the world. Once he settles down and begins a family, he longs for the days of his childhood. The story is told from the perspective of the Grandson, who says, ¿When I was a small boy, my favorite weekend was a visit to my grandfather¿s house. He told me many stories about California.¿ As the story continues, the family is in their homeland of Japan, the grandson mentions ¿my Grandfather said that he longed to see California one more time.¿ Many of us feel there is someplace better than we are now, until we get there, we usually want to return home. Grandfather¿s Journey was the winner of the 1994 Caldecott Medal. There is no doubt in my mind that the stunning illustrations were deserving of the award. Each illustration is an artwork on its own. Allen Say was born in Yokohama, Japan, in 1937. He dreamed of becoming a cartoonist, Say learned to draw and paint under the tutelage of Noro, who was Say's mentor. In 1972, Say illustrated his first children's book. Say won a Caldecott Honor Medal in 1987, for illustrating The Boy of the Three Year Nap. Say has written and illustrated many books.

Great Journey!

This book is genre is realism because this story is about a real person and their own personal journey. The theme of the book is that now matter where this young boy is in California or Japan he will always miss the differences in the two places. The book starts out with a young boy tell the story about his grandfather¿s journey. The grandfather left Japan to the world by sailing on a steamship. He landed in North America and to see the deserts rocks, farm fields, tall buildings and mountains. With every new place he meets a new friend of a different background, but moved back to Japan and married a woman. He lived in Japan for a while but, soon began to miss the California sun shine. During this his wife and he had a little girl who grew up and wanted to explore the world like her father. The story goes on the journey of the girl who ends up doing the same thing as her grandfather. Each person in the story is related and each has their own journey. The grandson telling the story of the grandfather visit California and he also misses his own country Japan like his grandfather. The author was born in Japan and moved to California moving from job to job painting along the way to make money. His first children¿s book was called ¿The Ink-Keeper's Apprentice¿. I would recommend this book for children in second to fifth grade. Read this book for a great journey.