Selection 2: Grandfather’s Journey written and illustrated by Allen Say

 Caldecott Medal  Boston Globe-Horn Book Award  Horn book Fanfare  ALA Notable  SLJ Best Books of the Year

Selection Summary The author’s grandfather came to America as a young man but later went back to Japan. Unable to return, his grandson later has homes in both countries, missing each one when he is in the other.

Key Concept: Longing and Homesickness

Key Vocabulary  Bewildered  Homeland  Longed  Marveled  Reminded  Surrounded

Bewildered- greatly puzzled, confused The man felt bewildered by the many strange foods and buildings he saw in the large city. bewildered = confused

Homeland- the country where a person was born Grandfather left his homeland and traveled to the United States. homeland = birthplace (country)

Longed- wished for, wanted very much After a time, my grandfather longed to return to Japan to see his friends and family. longed = wished

Marveled- filled with surprise or wonder The old man marveled at this new country that was so different from Japan. marveled = was amazed

Reminded- made someone remember The Japanese food that Grandfather ate in the restaurant reminded him of his homeland. reminded = remembered

Surrounded- put all around When I visited another country, I was surrounded by many unfamiliar sights and sounds. surrounded = encircled

Japan is located in the eastern hemisphere. It is an island southeast of Asia.

Let’s check out some beautiful scenery from Japan… How are these sights similar and different from what Grandfather would see in the United States?

What differences did you notice? What similarities did you notice?

How do these people look similar and different from people in the United States? Now let’s look at some pictures of Japanese people…

What differences did you notice? What similarities did you notice?

Now let’s take a look at some of the reading skills we will be practicing with Grandfather’s Journey…

Strategy focus: predict/infer This is the story of a journey the author’s grandfather made. Pause at different points in the story and predict what Grandfather will do next.

Comprehension Skill Focus: Author’s Viewpoint You will be focusing on Allen Say’s viewpoint of his grandfather’s life. You can use a word web to help you determine his attitude. viewpoint = opinion, attitude

Author’s Viewpoint Word Web Author’s Word Choice Author’s Focus Author’s Purpose Author’s Opinion

Enjoy Selection2: Grandfather’s Journey Check out to find more activities for this award winning story.