The Inker's Shadow

by Allen Say

Caldecott Medalist, Allen Say, presents a companion to his award-wining DRAWING FROM MEMORY - the story of his coming-of-age at a military academy and the discovery of what it means to be American

For Allen Say, life as teen in Southern California was a cold existence. His father, one of the leading hamburger salesmen in Japan, ran a booming burger business, much like McDonald's, and sent Allen to an American military academy, so that his son could learn English and "become a success in life."

As the school's first and only Japanese student, he experienced immediate racism among his fellow cadets and his teachers. The other kids' parents complained about Allen's presence at the all-white school. As a result, he was relegated to a tool shed behind the mess hall. Determined to free himself from this oppression, Allen saved enough money to buy a 1946 Ford for $50 - then escaped to find the America of his dreams!

In this follow-up to DRAWING FROM MEMORY, Allen continues to reinvent himself as an author and illustrator. Melding his paintings with cartoon images and archival photos, Allen Say delivers an accessible book that will appeal to any reader in search of himself.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Graphic Novels, Nonfiction, Memoir, Art, Childrens

80 pages, Hardcover

First published August 25, 2015

About the author

Allen Say is one of the most beloved artists working today. He is the recipient of the Caldecott Medal for GRANDFATHER'S JOURNEY, and also won a Caldecott Honor and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for THE BOY OF THE THREE-YEAR NAP (written by Dianne Snyder). Many of Allen’s stories are derived from his own experiences as a child. His other books include THE BICYCLE MAN, TEA WITH MILK, and TREE OF CRANES, hailed by The Horn Book in a starred review as “the achievement of a master in his prime.” Allen’s recent book, ERIKA-SAN, received a starred review in Publishers Weekly. He lives in Portland, Oregon.

Reviews

[jv poore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. Say shares his story of always wanting to be a cartoonist and how his family's move from Japan to the United States in 1953 made this possible. This pseudo-graphic-memoir shines a light on the author's admiration and appreciation of a couple of stand-out educators, subtly casting a shadow over the ill-treatment of so many Americans.

[Richard Derus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think this book's full import will come home to you if you don't read Drawing from Memory first.

But I think I'm safe in saying that, once you've read that, you'll more than likely be ready for this one. Author Say came to the US shortly after WWII ended, and to California no less; the country that suffered a major and terrible defeat wasn't exactly the place most Californians were looking to get fresh immigrants from. The racism Author Say suffered was depicted very realistically.

My origins are in California. My father's a native of Venice, the location of that famous Beach, and I was born in Palo Alto. My mother, a Texan to her bones, paid exactly no attention to California's prejudice against Asians, called in those days "Orientals." Our housekeeper was Nisei Japanese, her husband Issei gardened. They were fixtures. We were, I was told by my mother, sharply criticized for suchlike goins-on by the racist neighbors. All of this meant nothing to me at the time, since Mitzi was a giant bundle of hugging and loving which made me happy so I wasn't interested in anything else.

It stuck in my mind, though, and seemed so weird to me. Seeing the realities of the situation presented from the sufferer's point of view was disturbing to my old-man self. All the casual dismissive racism. All the actively cruel racism. All of that hate stewing in the hearts of people. Why ever use so much strength to wish hurt and harm on those who've done nothing to you?

Author Say doesn't give any answer to this conundrum; instead, he makes it deeper as he shows the lovingkindness of the people who helped him. Not including his father. And somehow, in reading this story of events sixty years gone, I'm left knowing that he made good and also that good people made his path easier than many others' paths, and it makes no difference that I can tell in how outraged I feel. How illogical!

I'm human, I don't have to make sense.

As the story of Author Say's life in California continues to unfold, the many and various loves of his teenaged years come to mean more and more to the course of his life. The girls he adores from afar, the women he is so generously assisted by, the teachers whose unstinting generosity was fueled by the intense young artist's obvious promise. The story covers three years, but how extremely important those years are! At the end of that time, Author Say is all of eighteen. We know, those of us lucky enough to have encountered Author Say's work at least, what astoundingly valuable dividends those people's kindness has paid. Since 1972's Dr. Smith's Safari, there has been a new Allen Say-illustrated book available about every other year.

How lucky for us all that Author Allen Say left home as a teenaged boy. Japan's treasure became ours.

I only hope that the saga will continue before the inevitable loss occurs and Author Say leaves us forever.

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently read Silent Days, Silent Dreams, Say's amazing picture book biography of James Castle because of Richard Derus's review of it, and loved that book. Years ago I had read Say's picture book memoir, Drawing from Memory, and again thanks to Richard have gone back and read his Caldecott-ward-winning Grandfather's Journey, and now his follow-up to Drawing from Memory, The Inker's Shadow. More detailed than I expected, it's like a lot of Say's recent work, more an "all ages" work, mixing cartoon-sequenced storytelling, with picture book paintings and photographs.

Say tells of coming to the U. S.--to California--at the age of 12, eight years after WWII ended, his native country of Japan defeated, sent by his distant father after he had studied with a famous manga sensei, Noro Shinpei. Shinpei fictionalized Say in a well-known many of the time, the story of Kyusuke, and Say uses the trope of himself as goofy manga kid to tell his coming of age story. He was placed in a military academy and wore an American uniform as a young man. He faced plenty of racism, which he documents, but he also makes it clear he survived and finally thrived thanks to the kindness and support of many Californians.

In his high school people recognized his extraordinary artistic ability and gave him opportunities for art institutes and similar educational experiences. I've really become a fan of the sweetly evocative painter Allen Say's work

[Nikki in Niagara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! Fascinating and inspiring! Allen Say presents in a long picture book format his memoir of the first three years he spent in America those being his high school years where he studied art. Left to fend for himself by a neglectful father 15-year-old Say lives on his own, works part-time and his talent is eventually "discovered" by a teacher or two leading to special opportunities and scholarships. The book ends with his graduation. It's also an interesting look at 1950s California, life for a Japanese youth in America just after the war, and about perseverance to make your dreams come true. Gorgeously illustrated throughout in various styles to reflect the content of the story, this is a book that will hold the interest of readers of all ages, especially other artists.

[Earl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was surprised and delighted to hear this was coming out because I enjoyed Drawing from Memory a lot. The Inker's Shadow continues Allen Say's story of becoming the illustrator he's known as today.

I really enjoyed the different styles of telling his story from traditional picture book style to his signature style of paintings and drawings and to the use of archival photos.

While the time and experiences he writes about were fascinating, they seemed lacking in substance. He could have fleshed out certain moments or extended the period he wrote about.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

How could I pass up this memoir from Japanese American author/illustrator Allen Say? Although the episodes that Say describes from his first three years in the United States (as a teenager) are a bit fragmented for my taste, the varied illustrations are gorgeous, and all of the elements certainly blend together to capture the spirit of those years. This memoir is particularly interesting in two ways: first, Say describes his experiences in the United States as a Japanese immigrant shortly after the end of World War II—his difficulty learning English and gaining acceptance; second, he recounts the basis of his artistic career. This will be a fast but rewarding read for aspiring artists or illustrators, as well as those who enjoy history and memoirs.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a bird's-eye view of the graphic development of an artist, here's the book for you. Say's blend of sketches, drawings, watercolors and photographs give the feel of a beautiful old family album lovingly organized.

[Julie Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found this in the laundromat while waiting for my clothes to dry after my dryer broke in the middle of a load. A sweet and touching memoir of Say’s first 3 years in America.

[Raven Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great sequel to his Drawing from Memory memoir.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book might not be everyone's cup of tea, for fans of Allen Say's work and anyone who loves children's literature, it offers additional insight into the author/illustrator's life. Picking up where his earlier memoir, Drawing from Memory, left off, the book follows sixteen-year-old Allen as he studies and works at a military academy in California. Initially, he barely knows any English and is placed in a sixth grade class. Although he faces discrimination and loneliness as well as the harsh disappointment expressed by his father, Say also finds delight in drawing and painting. I was fascinated by how he juxtaposed cartoons, even somewhat haunted by one cartoon character, photographs, sketches, and texts. Readers will see just how hard his first three years in the United States were, but they will also note how grateful he is to those mentors who provided help and guidance along the way. The glimpses he provides of his love life and efforts to fit in as well as how cash poor he is alongside his determination to create art are simply priceless in enabling readers to try to understand the experiences he describes here. Above all, it's clear that art and the scholarships that came his way sustained his creative spirit. There are passages that show how desperately he tried to blend in as well as others demonstrating the cultural ignorance of those around him who insisted that he look them straight in the eye, something considered impolite in his culture. The dismay with which he regards himself once he's attired in a uniform is priceless, captured perfectly in one image here. The illustrations, created in watercolors, pen and ink, and pencils, are surrounded by abundant white space, making each scene stand out vividly and capturing these moments in time perfectly. I don't know if Say plans to continue these memoirs, but I would certainly love to know what happens next.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allen Say continues his autobiography sharing his memories starting from the time he landed in California with his father, his short stint in a military school, and then how he worked his way through high school surviving on his own.

Wow. Allen Say went through a LOT as a teenager. His dad basically abandoned him in a foreign country and Say had to figure out how to survive on his own and how to get an education. He met people who were both harsh and helpful along the way. This could have been a lot more brutal but the picture book/graphic novel format keeps things brief and you don't dwell in misery with Say very long. I sure have a lot more respect for this illustrator after reading this.

No content issues.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Allen Say and the more I hear about his personal life story, the more I am impressed by (1) the resilience of human to overcome difficult circumstances and not be bitter and (2) the fact that simple kindnesses can change peoples' lives. This book is just that. I had read his autobiography (The Ink Keeper's Apprentice) several years ago and was delighted to find a continuation of that story here. Plus, the artwork - how can you mention Allen Say without discussing the beauty of his artwork? I wish I knew more about art but I was thoroughly impressed by the variation he used in style and color and line from frame to frame.

[Abby Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A second memoir from award-winning illustrator Allen Say, this book chronicles Allen's first three years in America. He first attended a military academy where he struggled to find time to draw. When he left, he started high school and was lucky to have some fabulous mentors who helped him get his feet under him and gave him the opportunities to improve his art. While I value Allen's story and it's a beautiful book, I think readers will get more out of it if they've read Allen Say's first memoir DRAWING FROM MEMORY.

[Lin Lin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Japanese boy wanted to become a cartoonist and came to the United States in the 1950s. Being classmates with young Americans who considered him as an "enemy" the country fought against not long ago, he worked his way to graduate from high school and pursued his dream of becoming a cartoon artist. Allen Say's new book is hard to put down once you turn the first page. He devoted the book to the art teacher and the principal who supported him as he overcame racism and get closer to his dream.

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Inker's Shadow is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Allen Say. It is an autobiographical picture book of his coming of age at a military academy in the United States and the discovery of what it means to be an American. This is a companion book to Allen Say’s first autobiographical picture book: Drawing from Memory.

Allen Say is an Asian American writer and illustrator – mainly on children’s books. His work mainly focuses on Japanese and Japanese American characters and their stories, and several works have autobiographical elements.

In this continuation of Say's graphic memoir, Drawing from Memory, he travels to the United States and receives a decidedly mixed welcome.

Arriving in southern California in 1953, 15-year-old Allen first settles in a military academy but is soon asked to leave because his sponsor comes to believe that he will not be a wholesome American. Never quite fitting in, he goes on to acquire an apartment and a job, take art classes, and, after high school graduation, set off in relief for San Francisco.

Though his personal voice, his gratitude for the support he does receive, and occasional flashes of rueful humor are evident enough, overall his sense of isolation from people and events around him colors his entire experience.

The many quick sketches, caricatures, practice pieces, and even the relatively finished scenes of significant incidents or encounters with which his account is interspersed, though, add life and feeling in abundance to the often-spare narrative. Moreover, all along the way, his determination to become a cartoonist never fades.

All in all, The Inker's Shadow is wonderful autobiographical children's book of the continuing journey and determination of Allen Say from adolescence to adulthood in a strange new world – the United States.

[Sj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prior to reading this book, I had never heard about it or the author. I was in the library looking through the biographies, hoping to find a graphic memoir and stumbled upon this. I am glad I did because it was a very interesting read. This is not a book that will change your life. This is not a book that will sit with you for a long time and make you think. But this is a book about a life that is different than most and that in and of itself provided me with a chance to learn more about the world and more about life. Allen Say grew up in Japan during World War II. His father befriended an American soldier. It was through that friendship that Say got the chance to come to America to pursue his artistic dreams. He had already been trained by a great cartoonist in Japan, however he wanted experience and travel. Although Say's father also came to America at the same time, Say and his father never lived together in America. Their relationship is fractured, to say the least. Aside from the initial opportunity to live and work in the US, Say's father did not contribute anything (not even comfort of knowing he is not alone) to Say upon his arriving in the US. Everything that happens to Say is because of luck, the friendships he makes, hard work, and his artistic ability. This is the story about someone who goes for what he wants and really makes the life he wants all on his own. I definitely recommend reading this book. It is a very quick read. The drawings are great. I really enjoyed taking the journey with Say.

[Ariel Caldwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Continuing from where Drawing from Memory left off, Allen Say continues his story of his unusual teenage years. At 15 years old, he moved from Japan to California with his father, who left him upon arrival. A family friend took him to a boys' military camp, where he was the first and only Japanese student and the shadow of WWII hung heavy. He didn't stay there long, tossed out to fend for himself. Fortunately, some helpful mentors (a high school principal and an art teacher) helped him grow as a young man and an artist. If I were booktalking this book to youth, I would perhaps mention them as examples of adults who are able to help without interfering.

This book shows how Allen Say survived those next years until he graduated high school.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Inkers Shadow was a complete surprise to me. It was about a Japanese boy who moves to California about 8 years after WWII. He is "abandoned" by his dad, but many people on the way see his talent as an artist. It shows all the hard work and sacrifice Allen Say went through in order to be whom he was to be. I enjoyed all the different types of illustration throughout the book.

This is a companion book to Drawing From Memory(which I shall be reading tonight. He is the author of the Caldecott winner, Grandfathers Journey.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this autobiography. It's very interesting to see 1950s America through the eyes of an immigrant who could barely speak English. I felt a variety of emotions through the course of these 78 pages. I was disgusted when Say described the wastefulness of Americans and thought about how much more wasteful we are now. It was so heart-warming to read about Say's high school principal and art teacher, who influenced his life so profoundly. I also found Say's autobiographical style to be unique and interesting. It's almost a graphic novel, but not quite. Excellent!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allen Say is one of our favorite author-illustrators. We really enjoyed this memoir of his first three years in America. Through others of his works, we have been able to piece together snippets of his life story and we are grateful that he has been able to share his story and culture with us. His artwork is amazing, and this book does not disappoint. It is told in the style of small blocks of text with small pictures to accompany them, almost graphic novel style. It really enhances his story, which mostly follows his perusal of an art education.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this so soon after the other one, and just in general I thought these were both great. Not only is his story culturally and historically interesting (in this one arriving in America post WWII, one of the "enemy" facing discrimination), but I felt like it really showed how he became the artist and author we know from his picture books. I thought this was terrific and actually quite moving.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part two of Allen Say's autobiography covers his teenage years in America. He arrived shortly after WWII, which being Japanese made it very difficult for him with some people. Overall I was struck by the difference the kindness of a few people can make. In the end notes, Say credits his high school principal and his art teacher for his being a published book artist today. Remember that kindness always counts!

[Mitchell Friedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

An illustrated autobiography. Basically the next chapter of Allen Say's life. I hope there are more of these but I haven't checked. The art isn't mostly isn't beautiful, but it is quite evocative of the time and the place. And there are multiple styles that capture both who the artist was then and now. The book is slow and not a lot happens. But it is also sweet and nostalgic. It is a different take on the graphic novel memoir but has a similar feel.

[Michael Lent · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Inker's Shadow is a companion piece to Drawing From Memory. That book is also terrific and should be read first. Once again, Allen Say's story telling and art style stand alone. With quick sketches and captions, Mr. Say gives his readers warts and all snapshots of 1950s California and the specific people he met that are as insightful as Tocqueville's account of mid-19th century American life.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book shows just how different the U.S. is from how it once was. A Japanese kid gets shipped off to the U.S. by his dad in the 1950s and somehow manages to go to high school and work a job that allows him to afford and apartment and a car -- all without seeming to have the immigration hurdles he'd have today. I'm sure I was supposed to take away something else from this book, but that's what really got me.

[Carol Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received The Inker's Shadow in a Goodreads giveaway in 2015, but didn't read it until today (March 10, 2018). I really enjoyed the book. It was a somewhat fictionalized account of Allen Say's first three years in California after he had immigrated from Japan in 1953. The book was filled with his illustrations, with multiple drawings on each page that illustrated his early life in America.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mildly interesting memoir of Allen Say's arrival in America. He notes in his Author's Note that this book is a "patchwork of memories." It's a good description, because it reads like a patchwork, stopping and starting in odd places and lacking detail or transitions that would have made this a more fluid and enjoyable read for me.

[Heidi Burkhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating read from many standpoints. For those of you who love learning more about Allen Say, this is outstanding. I think that it would stand up as historical/autobiographical fiction as well. And then there are those who just love the art.

Just wonderful! I bought a copy after I borrowed this title from the library.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing memoir, creatively organized and great for all ages.

[Alyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounded up from 3.75--thoroughly interesting!