selection 2: grandfather’s journey written and illustrated by allen say

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.

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 differences did you notice?

What similarities 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 differences did you notice?

What similarities 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 www.eduplace.com to find more activities for this award winning

story.