Book Review of "Drawing from Memory" by Allen Say
Bibliography
Say, A. 2011. Drawing from memory. Scholastic Press. ISBN: 9780545176866
Plot Summary
We follow the author of the story Allan Say in his memoir of his younger and teenage life. We start with his family and his first interest in drawing and comic books. World War II started, and his family got separated but Allan kept his interest in drawing, and it made him happy even though his father didn’t approve. Allan meets some influential people in his life that make him work hard and he continues to draw outside of school. He meets his Sensei, Noro Shinpei and his life is forever changed. His Sensei and the other apprentice working for him take Allan and show him many different artistic ways. Over time Allan keeps improving but gets the opportunity to visit America with his dad. He debates for a long time but eventually decides to go and explore this opportunity.
Critical Analysis
In this memoir we meet the author of the book Allen Say but his name that his Sensei calls him is Kiyoi. We follow him and his journey through life of becoming an artist. He is drawn to art at an early age and gets support from his mom but not his father. He shows us many cultural experiences throughout the book like meeting his Sensei, showing us what his apartment looks like, and different pictures of clothes that people wore. We see the connection from a master/pupil that forms between him and his Sensei. Allan leaves us at the end of the book with beginning his journey to America so we don’t see him interact with people from a different culture as much as we would have if the story continued to America. Another important figure in the book is Noro Shinpei who becomes Kiyoi’s Sensei after he finds his house and asks for his help. Noro is a very encouraging and supportive person in Kiyoi’s life and inspires him to become a true artist. He supplies Kiyoi with supplies and even buys him his own paint set. We also see the connection Kiyoi has with another one of his Sensei’s apprentices; Tokida who comes along on his journey and helps him in different ways. The story takes place in the 1940’s-1950’s, before and after World War II. This is a historical book and shows Allan growing up in his younger and teenage years. We start off in Yokohama, Japan and end up in Tokyo, Japan. We see a picture he drew of his first apartment with traditional Japanese walls and sliding doors. We see many other pictures and drawings of places that Allan visited like the train station, the countryside where they go to paint, and the inn that they stayed at for lessons. There are many cultural details in the story including different clothing that people wear. One page in the story had illustrations of all different kinds of people from the delivery man to women dressed up for tea. We also see the uniform used in schools and other modest clothing throughout. Allan also gives us cultural details in illustrations of people eating food or of them drawing on low tables and they sit pillows instead of chairs. We also see into the values that the Japanese family has like respect for elders and bowing to show thanks. In this story we see how many have struggled with choosing to do the things they love or do they follow their parents or elders’ expectations of them. I loved seeing the mix of drawings and real pictures that were put in the story, we can see into what life was like in this time. We see Allan be brave and take a chance in America and show that you should follow your dreams and take chances. Overall, this book will show everyone not to give up on what they love and to be brave and bold.
Review Excerpt(s)
Written by Caldecott Medal Winner Allen Say
This "journey through memories" uses a scrapbook format featuring the author's photographs, sketches, drawings, and comic-style panels. Say shares his love of comics and the important influence they have in his art. The book is a poignant tribute to his mentor, Japanese cartoonist Noro Shinpei.α(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC
Connections
*I would challenge students to create a comic strip of a memorable moment in their life.
*I would have students write a letter to a person who has influenced them or made a great impact on their lives.
*Other books by Allan Say:
-The Ink-Keeper’s Apprentice
-Grandfather’s Journey
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