Allen Say's "Drawing From Memory" Book review

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Say, Allen. 2011. Drawing From Memory. New York. Scholastic Press. ISBN 978-0-545-17686-6

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Allen Say brings to life his own journey, and how he became a renowned artist in this nonfiction book, Drawing From Memory. Author Allen Say recounts his life as a child growing up in Japan, and his life as a teenager and adult, he provides beautiful recollections of those who influence him and who helped shape him into the artist he is now.

Say’s life story of perseverance and devotion to his craft serves as an inspiration to other artists or aspiring artists! In the book, he vividly details were he came from, the Seashore of Yokohoma, Japan. He writes about his childhood, upbringing, his father’s disapproval of his passion for art, mentions the repercussions of World War II, how his parents separated and later divorce, and how he took refuge in his dream of becoming a cartoonist. Say found a Sensei who mentored him, friends who guided him and encouraged his artistic yearnings, he credits them for helping him become the world renowned artist that he is today.

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book written by Allen Say, is “part memoir, part graphic novel, part narrative history…” the history of his life and everything and everyone he encountered throughout his life. It brings to light his relationship with his “spiritual father,” Noro Shenpei, Japan’s leading cartoonist, whom he credits for his inspiration and determination that helped him accomplish his life dream of becoming a cartoonist.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

2012 Robert F. Sibert Honor Book

Goodreads starred review: “Caldecott Medalist Allen Say presents a stunning graphic novel chronicling his journey as an artist during WWII, when he apprenticed under Noro Shenpei, Japan’s premier cartoonist.”

Scholastic starred review: “Drawing From Memory” is Allen Say’s own story of his pain to becoming the renowned artist he is today.”

 

5. CONNECTIONS

*Invite students to write about what their dream in life is. Introduce other biographies of renowned artists.

*Other books about accomplishing your dreams are:

Greenberg, Jan. Chuck Close Up Close. ISBN 0329212125

Young, Ed. The House Baba Built: An Artist’s Childhood in China. ISBN 978-0316076289