Drawing from Memory

Drawing from Memory chronicles Allen Say's early years as an aspiring artist in post-World War II Japan. Through text and illustrations, Say recounts his journey from age 12 when he moved into an apartment on his own in Tokyo to study art. The narrative follows Say's apprenticeship under Noro Shinpei, a prominent cartoonist who became his sensei and mentor. Say combines his own artwork, photographs, and memories to document his development as an artist during a pivotal time in Japan's history. The book captures specific moments and relationships that shaped Say's path to becoming a professional artist and children's book creator. His interactions with family members, teachers, and fellow students reveal the cultural expectations and personal choices he navigated. This memoir explores themes of artistic passion, independence, and the tension between following one's dreams and meeting societal obligations. Through its blend of visual and written storytelling, the book offers insights into both Japanese culture and the universal experience of finding one's calling.

Readers appreciate Say's emotional honesty in depicting his journey as a young artist in post-war Japan. The blend of photographs, sketches, and watercolors helps tell the story in unique ways. Teachers and librarians note the book's value for encouraging young artists and showing a glimpse of Japanese culture. What readers liked: - Clear, straightforward writing style - Integration of artwork with text - Cultural and historical context - Inspiring message for aspiring artists What readers disliked: - Some found the pacing uneven - A few wanted more detail about certain periods - Format confusion (not quite memoir, not quite graphic novel) Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (90+ reviews) School Library Journal: Starred review Common reader comment: "The artwork adds layers of meaning to Say's memories" Frequent criticism: "Wished it was longer and went into more depth about his later years"

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🎨 Author Allen Say spent several years as a twelve-year-old boy living alone in a Tokyo apartment while studying art under his sensei, Noro Shinpei 📚 The book combines traditional memoir writing with manga-style illustrations, reflecting Say's background in both Eastern and Western artistic traditions 🏆 Drawing from Memory won the 2012 American Library Association's Sibert Honor Award for distinguished informational books 🗾 The story takes place during post-WWII Japan, when the country was rebuilding and experiencing significant cultural changes ✏️ Noro Shinpei, Say's mentor featured in the book, was a real-life famous cartoonist who created the popular manga series "Nonki Na Tōsan" (Easy-Going Daddy)