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Drawing From Memory
Drawing From Memory | Allen Say
42 posts | 13 read | 6 to read
Caldecott Medalist Allen Say presents a stunning graphic novel chronicling his journey as an artist during WWII, when he apprenticed under Noro Shinpei, Japans 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.
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jkraynak

“In the summer of 1951, Father invited me to his house in Sasebo but I didn‘t go. Instead, Tokida and I spent a lot of time exploring the big world of Tokoyo.”

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jkraynak
Mehso-so

(2011) The Drawing From Memory is written by and about Allen Say. It explains his journey as an artist. It has a lot of good themes in the story as he works through his hardships. It can show kids resilience and compassion.

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jkraynak

I‘m not sure students would find it easy to stay interested in this book through the whole thing. It‘s quite long, with lots of words on each page. It also goes back on forth on time periods in which he‘s discussing which might be confusing.

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ev844718

“Be decisive like Orito-San, the karate fighter! Be adventurous like Kyusuke!”

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ev844718

I like this book because it shows the children that sometimes it‘s important to push through struggles in order to be successful!

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ds111717

“When I finished the illustrations for this book, I sent Chiekosan the original drawing of her mother. She thanked me and wrote: “About one year before my father died at age eighty-seven, on February 20, 2002, I asked him if there was anything he wanted to do. He looked at me steadily and said, 'Kiyoi is the treasure of my life. I want to work on a book with him.'“ This is that book.“

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ds111717

I would consider using this book in my classroom as a way for children to express their interest in drawing and becoming artistically skilled. It's a little long for a children's book and has a lot of different uses, such as narrative, memoir, etc that it might only be good for older age groups.

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ds111717
Mehso-so

Drawing From Memory written by Allen Say. It's a biography about Allen's story of his own path in becoming an artist. Part memoir, part narrative, part graphic novel. This book has lots of pages and each page is pretty wordy as well.

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ev844718
Pickpick

Drawing From Memory by Allen Say was written in 2011. It tells the story of how Allen became the artist that he is today. He was shunned by his family but was in turn able to become famous. He worked hard in classes, and was an inspiration to many people.

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easch

“Kiyoi is the treasure of my life. I want to work on a book with him.” “That is that book.

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easch

I would not have this book in my classroom. It is very long and it was hard for me to read and stay focused.

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easch
Mehso-so

Drawinf From Memory by Allen Say, 2011. This book was about Allen Say and his journey to become an cartoonist. It was a struggle for him to get where he is today. His own father shunned him and his whole family. He found a mentor and now he is successful.

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elisaschwass
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elisaschwass

This is a very inspiring book as Allen was shunned by his own father but still found what he loved.

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elisaschwass
Pickpick

Drawing from Memory by Allen Say was written in 2011. This story is about the journey of Allen himself as he wanted to learn about what he loved, art. This book is perfect for kids to read about how you can do anything you want when you work for it.

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maddyhensley

“I was born in 1937 by the seashore of Yokohama, Japan.”

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maddyhensley

I think this book would be good in the classroom to show that expressing yourself through art is just as important as classroom knowledge.

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Lf196117

Mrs. Morita said that my ability to draw was a wonderful talent. No one had told me that before.

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Lf196117

This book would be really great to read in a classroom over the span of a long time. It can show students that it is normal to become very close with your teachers and find a friend in them.

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Lf196117
Pickpick

Drawing from memory presents a complex look at the real life relationship of the author of Allen Say and leading cartoonist of the time, Noro Shinpei. This book is part memoir, part graphic novel and wonderfully tells of Allen growing up through World War 2. The illustrations are really well made as some are real images and some are drawn from memory.

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carlypabin
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carlypabin

A cute book portraying a boys journey to becoming a cartoonist! Showing the truth through many mediums & telling his story in his words

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carlypabin
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Pickpick

Drawing From Memory by Allen Say (biography, published 2011) is an autobiography of a young boy and his journey to becoming a cartoonist. It has pictures from his past & his art, but it also has parts similar to a comic book which is what he originally started reading and enjoying. It is very informative and I liek it a lot

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misshawksbooklist
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“We tried to draw people on the streets”
I like this because it shows the root of their work and the importance of their inspiration!

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misshawksbooklist
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I love this piece because it is an illustration and looks like a photo! So powerful!

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misshawksbooklist
Pickpick

Published in 2011, this story of Allen Say‘s life is inspiring to see his journey as an artist. The incorporation of maps, real photos, realistic drawings, and so much more to encompass the culture! The incorporation of an authors note aids the reader in authentic information and dates to provide a grander picture of the overall journey and story!

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marypeyton
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“So I drew.”

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marypeyton
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I like how this book is set up like a comic book.

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marypeyton
Pickpick

Drawing from Memory is a biography written by Allen Say. This book is written about himself. It is a dramatic, powerful story. Children can relate to this because they will learn they can pursue anything they want to when they try their best. I would give this book to students who are a bit older because it is long.

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CassidyCantrell
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CassidyCantrell

The pictures and words flow throughout the book to keep the reader interested

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CassidyCantrell
Pickpick

-auto biography
- children‘s award winning books
I really like how this book goes from drawing/paintings to real pictures throughout the book. The words are split up so it‘s nice to not have to read a full page of words

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Lindy
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Pickpick

Artist Allen Say's #diversepicturebook autobiography has photos, archival documents, sketches & paintings. His father said, "I expect you to be a respectable citizen, not an artist!" After his parents divorced, Say lived on his own in Tokyo from age 12 onward, studying art. A fascinating record of social conditions in Japan during WWII era. Also a moving account of remaining true to one's artistic heart
@RealLifeReading

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