Book details
Tea with Milk (Rise and Shine)
Description
At home in San Francisco, May speaks Japanese and the family eats rice and miso soup and drinks green tea. When she visits her friends' homes, she eats fried chicken and spaghetti. May plans someday to go to college and live in an apartment of her own. But when her family moves back to Japan, she soon feels lost and homesick for America. In Japan everyone calls her by her Japanese name, Masako. She has to wear kimonos and sit on the floor. Poor May is sure that she will never feel at home in this country. Eventually May is expected to marry and a matchmaker is hired. Outraged at the thought, May sets out to find her own way in the big city of Osaka. With elegant watercolors reminiscent of Grandfather's Journey, Allen Say has created a moving tribute to his parents and their path to discovering where home really is. The accompanying story of his mother and her journey as a young woman is heartfelt. Tea with Milk vividly portrays and effectively captures the graceful formality of Japan.
Age
4-7
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
32 pages
Why to read
- Cultural Exploration: 'Tea with Milk (Rise and Shine)' offers readers a glimpse into the blending of Japanese and Western cultures, providing valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of navigating a bicultural identity.
- Personal Growth: The book's narrative centers around the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and empowerment as she learns to assert her individuality and make choices that reflect her unique values and desires, which can inspire readers to reflect on their own paths.
- Stunning Artwork: Allen Say is renowned for his beautiful and detailed illustrations, which bring the story to life and enhance the reader's experience by visually transporting them to the settings and emotions of the narrative.
- Universal Themes: Despite its specific cultural setting, the book touches on universal themes such as independence, family expectations, and finding one's place in the world, making it relatable to a wide audience of readers.