Module 5 Book 1 Picture Book by Allen Say

A. Bibliography

Say,Allen.2008. Erika San. New York,NY: Houghton Mifflin.
ISBN: 9780618889334

B. Plot Summary
Young Erika sees a picture of a Japanese house that will change the course of her entire life and eventually lead her to Japan in search of the house in the picture.

C. Critical Analysis ( with cultural markers.)
Allen Say shows Erika, a young Caucasian American girl who goes searching for a quieter, rustic Japan years after she sees a picture of a traditional Japanese house on her grandmother's wall. Because of this picture Erika studies Japanese in school and becomes fascinated with Japanese culture. She arrives in modern Japan which is shown as an industrial country with both busy, crowded cities and historically rich rural districts. The Japanese people that Erica meets are shown in all their variety, with different facial expressions and haircuts. Say also incorporates Japanese words and phrases in his story so that the story flows naturally.

The soft, beautiful water color illustrations show the Japanese dressed in modern clothes. In contrast, Erica ,the American teacher fascinated with Japanese culture, is shown performing the traditional tea ceremony after practicing for many months in traditional clothing.

This book beautifully captures one American woman's search for beauty and history in modern day Japan and quietly conveys a deep respect and understanding for the Japanese.

D. Review Excerpts
School Library Journal
More romantic and idealistic than many of Say's stories, Erika-San will find readers beyond the usual picture-book crowd.

Horn Book
Say's storytelling and art are as absorbing as ever; the illustrations of rural Japan will have adults yearning for their own remote farmhouse.

E. Connections
Have a former participant in the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) program come talk to students. Contact the JET alumni association for more information:http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/jet/link.html#jetaa

Have students do research about English teachers in Japan.

For more stories about the meeting of Japanese and American cultures, try:
Say, Allen. Tea with milk. ISBN:0395904951
Friedman, Ina R. How my parents learned to eat. ILL. by Allen Say. ISBN: 0395353793
Igus, Toyomi. Two Mrs. Gibsons. ILL. by Daryl Wells.
ISBN: 9780516200019