The Inker's Shadow

About this book

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 McDonalds and sent Allen to an American military academy so that his son could learn English and "become a success in life." As the schools first and only Japanese student he experienced immediate racism among his fellow cadets and his teachers. The other kids parents complained about Allens 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.