Grandfather's Journey

Allen Say's Caldecott Medal-winning picture book, "Grandfather's Journey," is a poignant and beautifully illustrated narrative tracing his family's unique history of immigration between Japan and California. The story, told from the author's perspective, chronicles his grandfather's deep affection for both his homeland and his adopted country, and the persistent longing he felt for whichever place he was not in. It explores universal themes of cultural identity, belonging, and the intergenerational inheritance of these feelings, as the narrator eventually understands his grandfather's dual attachment. With its "direct, lyrical narrative" and "sepia tones" reminiscent of a family album, this book is perfect for sparking conversations about heritage, immigration, and what it means to call multiple places home.

In this Caldecott Medal–winning picture book, master storyteller Allen Say chronicles his family’s history between Japan and California. A lyrical, breathtaking tale of one man’s love for two countries, Grandfather’s Journey is perfect for fans of Last Stop on Market Street and Thank You, Omu! Through pensive portraits and delicately faded art, Allen Say pays tribute to his grandfather’s persistent longing for home that continues within Allen. This restlessness and constant desire to be in two places speaks to a universal experience as well as the deeply personal ties of family to place, and what it means to be at home in more than one country. Both a celebration of heritage and a poignant exploration of the struggles we inherit, Grandfather’s Journey is a modern classic perfect for every household.