Grandfather's Journey
by Allen Say

Grandfather's Journey
by Allen Say

This Caldecott Medal winning picture book tells the story of the author's grandfather, who immigrated from Japan to  America and the experiences and feelings involved. Say touching account presents his family's love for both countries and how each has shaped and created them into the people they are today.

This book does a good job of presenting the struggle that many immigrants face in leaving their former country and culture behind. In fact, at one point the grandfather, who never feeling totally at home in either country, says "The funny thing is, the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other." Powerful!

In a starred review, the Horn Book said of this title:  "The immigrant experience has rarely been so poignantly evoked as it is in this direct, lyrical narrative that is able to stir emotions through the sheer simplicity of its telling."

Awards Won

• Caldecott Medal Winner 1994!
• American Library Association Notable Children's Book 1994
• Boston Globe-Horn Book Fanfare Award 1994

Reading Levels

Interest Level:  Pres-Gr. 2
DRA Level: 38
Lexile Measure: 650L
Grade Level Equiv:  4.2
Guided Reading: P