Status
Available
Call number
Series
Collection
Publication
Scholastic Press (2011), Hardcover, 72 pages
Description
"Caldecott Medalist Allen Say presents a stunning graphic novel chronicling his journey as an artist during WWII, when he apprenticed under Noro Shinpei, Japan's premier cartoonist. Drawing from memory is Allen Say's own story of his path to becoming the renowned artist he is today. Shunned by his father, who didn't understand his son's artistic leanings, Allen was embraced by Noro Shinpei, Japan's leading cartoonist and the man he came to love as his "spiritual father." As WWII raged, Allen was further inspired to consider questions of his own heritage and the motivations of those around him. He worked hard in rigorous drawing classes, studied, trained--and ultimately came to understand who he really is. Part memoir, part graphic novel, part narrative history, DRAWING FROM MEMORY presents a complex look at the real-life relationship between a mentor and his student. With watercolor paintings, original cartoons, vintage photographs, and maps, Allen Say has created a book that will inspire the artist in all of us"--… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member dottyreader
Allen Say has produced a once-in-a-lifetime memoir that melds illustration, photographs and text to tell the story of Say as a young adult in postwar Japan. Given what seems to us the incredible freedom of living by himself to attend a prestigious middle school in Tokyo, Say instead hunts down a
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cartoonist and becomes his apprentice. The book is a tribute to his sensei as well as telling his own story. Aimed at middle grades but not to be missed by any adult interested in children's literature or memoirs in general. Show Less
LibraryThing member missamellon
Allen Say is a Japanese American artist who draws wonderful cartoons. In this autobiography he tells the story of how he got started on the path to a career in visual art. Despite his father and grandmother insisting that art could not be a respectable career, he set out at the tender age of 13 to
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find a way to draw for a living. He found several teachers, including one special one. The book is important for the historical value alone, with its verbal and pictoral depictions of Japan in the 1940's. But the honest nature of the autobiography makes it irresistable as a story. I cried at the end. Show Less
LibraryThing member rwilliamson
What pre-teen hasn't dreamed of getting his/her own place? This interesting, beautifully illustrated, and inspiring autobiography tells the story of one who does just that. Following World War II, 12 year old Allen Say moved into his own apartment, started a challenging school, and convinced
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Japan’s top cartoonist to take him as an apprentice. Thus Mr. Say begins an art career that continues more than 50 years later. Show Less
LibraryThing member Smiler69
This graphic novel is a memoir by the illustrator Allen Say, who describes growing up in Japan with a father who disapproved of his son's artistic leanings, but who nevertheless went on to apprentice for one of the leading cartoonists of his childhood. The book, dedicated to his sensei, Noro
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Shinpei, chronicles Say's evolution as an artist and his eternal appreciation for the man who gave him the training to pursue his greatest love. It's an appealing book and an appealing story, but I can't say I was impressed with the way the book has been put together design-wise. A very personal view with my background as an art-director surely coming in the way, so I still recommend this one as it no-doubt will appeal to many. Show Less
LibraryThing member wortklauberlein
Beautifully illustrated with a variety of artworks by the author plus photographs, "Drawing From Memory" is the remarkable and touching story of how Allen Say followed his dream in postwar Japan.
Rather incredibly, as a 12-year-old boy, Say was moved into his own apartment so he could go to a better
Confined to 63 large-format pages, chockfull of pictures, Say glosses over many details of the larger world, such as the war and the bombing of Hiroshima, not far from where his family lived.
A singlemindedness no doubt helped Allen Say to become the accomplished and renowned artist he is, but I would have appreciated more information about the demonstrations he unwillingly became a part of, and what happened to his mother and sister after he left for America.
He did after many years away, return to Japan and, again most incredibly, bump into his old Sensei, who seemed to have been expecting him.
Rather incredibly, as a 12-year-old boy, Say was moved into his own apartment so he could go to a better
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school. Just as incredibly, he read about a young man who ran away from home to apprentice himself to a renowned cartoonist in Tokyo. Young Allen marches right over to Noro Shinpei's studio and is soon being taught all manner of art.Confined to 63 large-format pages, chockfull of pictures, Say glosses over many details of the larger world, such as the war and the bombing of Hiroshima, not far from where his family lived.
A singlemindedness no doubt helped Allen Say to become the accomplished and renowned artist he is, but I would have appreciated more information about the demonstrations he unwillingly became a part of, and what happened to his mother and sister after he left for America.
He did after many years away, return to Japan and, again most incredibly, bump into his old Sensei, who seemed to have been expecting him.
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LibraryThing member Karen_D
This memoir-esque picture book chronicles the life of Allen Say and how he became an artist. The illustrations range from sketches, to color illustrations, to cartoons. Drawing from Memory is perfect for young artists who are looking for inspiration. They should be encouraged to look for someone to
I would recommend this book for older elementary and middle school students because it covers a lot of information. It is an amazing book that shows how far Allen Say has progressed in his career. The story line of him and his sensei (master/teacher) Noro Shinpei is very moving. Especially when they meet again after Allen moved to the United States.
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tutor them or start an art club of their own. They should take Say's advice and practice what they love.I would recommend this book for older elementary and middle school students because it covers a lot of information. It is an amazing book that shows how far Allen Say has progressed in his career. The story line of him and his sensei (master/teacher) Noro Shinpei is very moving. Especially when they meet again after Allen moved to the United States.
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LibraryThing member delphica
I enjoyed this a lot ... although, I have this nagging feeling that it could have been a little more substantial. After reading, I felt like I had only gotten 90% of the story. However, that 90% was terrific. It's illustrated autobiography, Say describes his life as a teenager in post-war Japan,
Grade: A-
Recommended: It's heavily illustrated, but older kids, especially kids who see themselves as artists, would enjoy it. I think there's a lot for kids to talk about with adults regarding that particular time in Japan and in history.
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striving to discover his identity as an artist. It's not a lengthy read, but it's absolutely charming and emotional and makes you really feel a connection to the author.Grade: A-
Recommended: It's heavily illustrated, but older kids, especially kids who see themselves as artists, would enjoy it. I think there's a lot for kids to talk about with adults regarding that particular time in Japan and in history.
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LibraryThing member alyson
A really unique blend of memoir, graphic novel, history, artistic inspiration...I think I need to reread all of Allen Say's books now with greater appreciation.
LibraryThing member lilibrarian
As a young child, the author wanted to be a cartoonist. Sent away to school by his separated parents, he found himself a teacher and a place in Tokyo's cartooning world.
LibraryThing member tahayes
Using a collage of photographs, pen-and-ink drawings, and comic art, Allen Say provides a touching and very personal memoir of growing up in Japan during World War II. He describes his early passion for art, and the reaction of various family members to that passion. Say also recounts his
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relationship with famous Japanese cartoonist Noro Shinpei, who became his sensei or mentor. A must-read for any student wishing to pursue art as their vocation! Show Less
LibraryThing member satyridae
What a lovely book. Say is a splendid storyteller, and this memoir with drawings, text and photos was spellbinding. He drew me in with a few swift strokes of his pen, and held me tight till the very end. I have enjoyed Say's other books, but this one is something special indeed. It's a treasure,
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even. Go read this book, right away. Show Less
LibraryThing member KimJD
This beautiful and appealing biography, with its mix of text and photographs and graphic-novel style panels, will inspire elementary and middle school students-- if they take the time to open it and see how engaging it is. Sadly, it doesn't have a lot of "curb appeal" and most children will
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probably pass it by unless they hear it book-talked. But in the right hands (especially those of other aspiring artists), this story of Allan Say's childhood and teenage years in Japan will make for a memorable read. The drawings are wonderful, and learning how he got his start as an artist is nothing short of remarkable. Show Less
LibraryThing member Honeysucklepie
I loved it! Forget the YA or E placement of Allan Say's books, you will enjoy them. The illustrations are always gorgeous, and the stories heartbreakingly real.
This is a wonderful biography of Allen Say!
This is a wonderful biography of Allen Say!
LibraryThing member paakre
What a pleasure it was to read this book, both the words and the pictures. I have always admired Say's children's books. They are soulful and poignant. It is enlightening to read about his life growing up, how his father was estranged from him almost as soon as Say declared his love of art, and how
This book pays tribute to a very fine teacher, and reminds me of how important it is to find support where you can. Maybe your father is opposed to your ambition to be an artist. This leaves it up to you to find an artist and mentor who can give you the support you need.
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he was left to fend for himself starting at the age of thirteen. There is a lonely quality to his work, a melancholy that suffuses his art. Now we understand why.This book pays tribute to a very fine teacher, and reminds me of how important it is to find support where you can. Maybe your father is opposed to your ambition to be an artist. This leaves it up to you to find an artist and mentor who can give you the support you need.
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LibraryThing member KilmerMSLibrary
This graphic novel chronicles Allen Say’s journey as an artist, from his childhood in World War II Japan to his apprenticeship under Noro Shinpei, Japan’s leading cartoonist. Using watercolor paintings, original cartoons, photographs and maps, the memoir looks at Say’s strained relationship
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with a father who did not understand his son’s art and the difficult path that led to Say’s success. Show Less
LibraryThing member LindseyB12
This is a well put together biography accompanied by text, photographs, and drawings. The story of Allen Say is an inspiration to all aspiring artists as well as anyone with a dream. This would be a great book to share with students during a time like career week.
LibraryThing member k8lovesbooks
One of the most interesting things that I learned about Allen Say was that he burnt all of his drawing notebooks when he left Japan.
Allen Say grew up in a family that didn't enjoy Allen's artwork. His mother supported him a bit, but his father disapproved of it. When Allen grew older, his father
I liked reading about Allen Say, because he is an artist, and I'm one too. I don't understand why he burnt all of his notebooks when he left Japan. Maybe it was done to create more space, or done to please his father when he arrived in America.
Allen Say grew up in a family that didn't enjoy Allen's artwork. His mother supported him a bit, but his father disapproved of it. When Allen grew older, his father
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left his mother. Allen and his sister went to live with his grandmother who didn't like Allen. After a while of living together, Allen's mother paid for Allen to go to school. They shipped him off to school. He had an apartment in Tokyo, and lived alone when he was only thirteen. Still loving art, he wanted to become an apprentice of Noro Shinpei, who was a great cartoonist. There Allen practiced art with Noro Shinpei's other apprentice, and eventually he became a well-known artist in America.I liked reading about Allen Say, because he is an artist, and I'm one too. I don't understand why he burnt all of his notebooks when he left Japan. Maybe it was done to create more space, or done to please his father when he arrived in America.
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LibraryThing member Jen4k
Drawing from Memory is the memoir of artist Allen Say and his journey to becoming an artist. The artwork in this book is paired with photographs from Say's childhood, creating an interesting juxtaposition between Say's representation of his world and the reality shown in the photographs.
LibraryThing member Mad.River.Librarian
Mesmerizing autobiography of the artist Allen Say. His pictures and descriptions are in perfect harmony. A quick read, leaving the reader to ponder our own life's journey and destiny.
LibraryThing member mcnicol_08
An auto biography of the Asian American author and illustrator, Allen Say. Allen Say tells his life story from his birth in Japan until he leaves for America. A very interesting story as this author/illustrator struggled to become an artist in a culture that did not approve of this lifestyle. This
The autobiography was written well, I just personally did not enjoy reading it. I felt as though it was kind of a dry read.
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also shares the artist's struggles during conflict within his country. The illustrations are unique as Allen Say uses comic strip style. This is the original style of drawing he first started out drawing.The autobiography was written well, I just personally did not enjoy reading it. I felt as though it was kind of a dry read.
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LibraryThing member npetzold
This is an amazing autobiography written by the artist Allen Say, which documents his interest in art and his journey to become the artist that he is today. He writes about his training and his inspiring mentor and friends while explaining the role he took as a young man in Japan during WWII.
LibraryThing member lillibrary
Biography of Allen Say. Many beautiful illustrations show his early childhood in Japan and the influence of Noro Shinpei, a leading cartoonist of that time who took Mr. Say under his wing, instructing him in his art.
LibraryThing member AbigailAdams26
Celebrated Japanese-American children's artist Allen Say, who won the Caldecott Medal for Grandfather's Journey, a picture-book exploring his family's complicated history moving back and forth between Japan and the United States through the generations, chronicles his own youth and coming of age as
As informative as it is entertaining, Drawing from Memory is children's biography at its best, offering an immensely engaging look at the youth of a celebrated children's author and artist. I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about Say's early life, given the fact that I have enjoyed so many of his picture-books, which are often drawn from the history and life-stories of various Say family members. He has certainly lived an interesting life, to judge by the first sixteen years! I can't imagine a thirteen-year-old being given his own living situation today, outside of a supervised one such as would be provided by a boarding school. Nor can I imagine an ambitious young person easily convincing a master in his chosen discipline to teach and sponsor him, without some sort of introduction. However that may be, there is no doubt that Say was compelled to follow his dream to become an artist, a calling he felt from the time he was a small boy, and that the world has benefited from his work. Recommended to Allen Say fans, and to anyone looking for good biography/autobiography for middle-grade readers. For myself, I look forward to reading the next volume of Say's autobiography, The Inker's Shadow.
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an artist in this graphic novel/picture-book autobiography for young readers. Born in 1937 near Yokohama, Japan, Say was still a young child during WWII, and evacuated to a small village with his mother and sister. After the war, and his parents' subsequent divorce, Say was sent to live with his grandmother in Tokyo, where he was convinced to work hard at his schooling by the promise of his own lodgings. But although he did indeed succeed academically, getting in to the prestigious Aoyama Middle School, his true passion was art, and he managed to convince Noro Shinpei, the most famous cartoonist in Japan, to take him on as a student. Devoting himself to his studies, Say lived and worked alone from the age of thirteen. A number of years later, in July of 1953, Say left Japan, accepting his estranged father's offer of passage to America...As informative as it is entertaining, Drawing from Memory is children's biography at its best, offering an immensely engaging look at the youth of a celebrated children's author and artist. I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about Say's early life, given the fact that I have enjoyed so many of his picture-books, which are often drawn from the history and life-stories of various Say family members. He has certainly lived an interesting life, to judge by the first sixteen years! I can't imagine a thirteen-year-old being given his own living situation today, outside of a supervised one such as would be provided by a boarding school. Nor can I imagine an ambitious young person easily convincing a master in his chosen discipline to teach and sponsor him, without some sort of introduction. However that may be, there is no doubt that Say was compelled to follow his dream to become an artist, a calling he felt from the time he was a small boy, and that the world has benefited from his work. Recommended to Allen Say fans, and to anyone looking for good biography/autobiography for middle-grade readers. For myself, I look forward to reading the next volume of Say's autobiography, The Inker's Shadow.
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LibraryThing member reader1009
middlegrade biographical sketch--the illustrator describes and draws scenes from his teen years--going to school and living by himself at the age of 12, pursuing cartooning as a career, and later moving from Japan to America.
LibraryThing member FamiliesUnitedLL
Magnificent.
Poignant.
Nuanced.
I enjoyed this. It took perhaps 40 minutes to read.
I think it is it’s own thing. Whole and complete. It could be in picture book biographies or with adult biographies.
Some sentiments are a bit shocking but it is a memoir and his impressions are his own. His scars
I am so thankful that while frustrated by the mess I am supportive of my children’s love of art.
Poignant.
Nuanced.
I enjoyed this. It took perhaps 40 minutes to read.
I think it is it’s own thing. Whole and complete. It could be in picture book biographies or with adult biographies.
Some sentiments are a bit shocking but it is a memoir and his impressions are his own. His scars
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are his own. I am so thankful that while frustrated by the mess I am supportive of my children’s love of art.
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Awards
A Horn Book Fanfare Best Book (Nonfiction — 2011)
William Allen White Children's Book Award (Nominee — Grades 6-8 — 2013-2014)
Vermont Golden Dome Book Award (Nominee)
Oregon Book Awards (Winner — 2013)
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal (Honor Book — 2012)
Texas Maverick Graphic Novels Reading List (Selection — 2012)
Oregon Spirit Book Award (Winner — Non-Fiction — 2011)
CCBC Choices (2012)
The Best Children's Books of the Year (Nine to Twelve — 2012)
Notable Children's Book (2012)
Original publication date
2011-09-01
Physical description
72 p.; 10.6 inches
ISBN
0545176867 / 9780545176866
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