Grandfather's Journey

Allen Say's Caldecott Medal-winning picture book, Grandfather's Journey, is a lyrical and deeply personal narrative about a Japanese American man recounting his grandfather's travels between Japan and the United States. The story beautifully captures the grandfather's longing for both his homeland and his adopted country, a feeling the narrator comes to understand as he embarks on his own similar journey. It's a powerful exploration of cultural identity, immigration, and the bittersweet experience of loving two places equally. The book is celebrated for its authentic AAPI representation and its ability to evoke universal emotions of belonging and nostalgia, making it an excellent choice for children aged 3-7.

A Japanese American man recounts his grandfather's journey to America which he later also undertakes, and the feelings of being torn by a love for two different countries.