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Books by Allen Say

19 books · Ages 4–15

Known for the Allen Say Memoirs series, Allen Say writes picture books and middle grade and young adult for ages 4–15, alongside 17 standalone books, exploring themes of asian heritage, art & creativity, history.

Series

Drawing from Memory

The Inker's Shadow

Allen Say Memoirs

2 books · Ages 8–15

Standalone Books

Cover of Tree of Cranes

For the child curious about different ways to celebrate, this quiet story explores how family memories and heritage can

Cover of A River Dream

A mysterious box from an uncle transforms a quiet day in a sickbed into a shimmering, fantastical fishing expedition.

Cover of The Sign Painter

The Sign Painter

For the child who wonders if they can follow their creative dreams. Discover the quiet tension between making a living a

By Age Range

Tree of Cranes

A River Dream

The Sign Painter

Tree of Cranes

A River Dream

The Sign Painter

Common Themes

Asian Heritage Art & Creativity History Being Different Cultural Identity Love & Family Loneliness & Belonging Celebrating Heritage

Books by Allen Say | Wonderlit

Ages 7–12

Cover of Home of the Brave

Home of the Brave

After a kayaking accident, a man finds himself transported through the memories and hardships of children living in inte

Cover of Grandfather's Journey

Grandfather's Journey

Delicate portraits follow a grandfather's journey between Japan and California, exploring the feeling of having a heart

Cover of Almond

For the child who feels like they are just ordinary, this gentle story follows Almond as she discovers her own unique sp

Cover of Tea with Milk

May returns to prewar Japan expecting a matchmaker to choose her future, but she decides to forge her own path by findin

Cover of Kamishibai Man

An elderly storyteller returns to the city streets he once knew, searching for an audience in a world transformed by the

Cover of El Chino

Sepia tones explode into vibrant color as Arizona-born Billy Wong follows his passion across the ocean to become the ver

Cover of Emma's Rug

When a young artist's favorite source of inspiration is destroyed, she must learn to look inward to find her creative sp

Cover of The Boy in the Garden

The Boy in the Garden

A beautiful crane statue in a garden sparks Jiro’s imagination, pulling him into the magical world of a classic Japanese

Cover of Music for Alice

Music for Alice

From the hardships of a World War II internment camp to years of labor on a flower farm, Alice Sumida finally finds the

Cover of Under the Cherry Blossom Tree

Under the Cherry Blossom Tree

A greedy landlord faces a bizarre punishment when a cherry tree begins to grow directly out of his head, bringing new ho

Cover of Silent Days, Silent Dreams

Silent Days, Silent Dreams

Using only spit and soot, deaf and autistic artist James Castle created a world of incredible beauty in this story of si

Cover of Kozo the Sparrow

Kozo the Sparrow

In post-war Japan, an eight-year-old boy protects a tiny, abandoned sparrow from bullies and learns the tender rewards o

Cover of Allison

For the child who notices they look different from their parents and is beginning to ask questions about their heritage

Cover of Bicycle Man

Japanese students at a mountain school watch in amazement as an African American soldier performs incredible bicycle stu

The Sign Painter

Home of the Brave

Drawing from Memory

If Your Family Loves Allen Say, Also Try

Berlin

Marilyn Trueluck

Gammysaurus and Me

Little Hedgehog Books

Gammysaurus and Me

Who Loves Hayden

Who Loves Mee Art

Who Loves Hayden

Dream

Matthew Cordell

The Weaver's Gift

The Weaver's Gift