Music for Alice

Music for Alice tells the true story of Alice Sumida, a Japanese-American woman who pursued her passion for dance and farming during the mid-20th century. Based on extensive interviews, author Allen Say recounts Alice's experiences growing up in California and Oregon. The narrative follows Alice through major periods of her life, including her early years as a dance student and instructor in Portland. Her path takes unexpected turns as historical events of the 1940s impact Japanese-American communities on the West Coast. The book combines Say's signature watercolor illustrations with historical photographs documenting Alice's life and the places she called home. Through both image and text, it presents a personal perspective on a complex chapter of American history while celebrating one woman's determination to follow her dreams. The story explores themes of resilience, cultural identity, and finding joy through creative expression even in challenging circumstances. It adds an individual voice to broader discussions about the Japanese-American experience during World War II.

Readers appreciate the true story of Alice Sumida's perseverance during Japanese internment and her later success as a flower farmer. Many reviews highlight Say's watercolor illustrations and their ability to capture both difficult moments and moments of joy. Readers value the book's educational potential for teaching children about Japanese American history during WWII, with one teacher noting it "opened up important classroom discussions." Common criticisms include the brief length and what some call an "abrupt" ending. Several reviewers wanted more details about Alice's life beyond the basic narrative. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (252 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (19 ratings) Specific comments: "The illustrations tell as much of the story as the words" - Goodreads reviewer "Could have gone deeper into the emotional impact" - Amazon reviewer "Perfect introduction to this historical period for younger readers" - School Library Journal reviewer

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🌟 Allen Say based this book on the true story of Alice Sumida, a Japanese-American woman who started a successful flower farm in Oregon despite facing discrimination during World War II. 🌸 The author spent time interviewing Alice Sumida when she was 87 years old, capturing her memories and spirit through both words and watercolor illustrations. 🗺️ The book highlights the experience of Japanese Americans who avoided internment camps during WWII by moving inland from the West Coast, as Alice and her husband Mark did. 💃 Before becoming a farmer, Alice was a talented dancer who taught ballroom dancing, and she returned to dancing in her 80s after her husband passed away. 🎨 Allen Say's detailed watercolor illustrations in the book were partially based on actual photographs from Alice Sumida's personal collection, lending authenticity to the visual narrative.