Module 5 Tea With Milk

A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Say, Allen. 2006. TEA WITH MILK. New York, NY: Sandpiper. ISBN 0547237472.

B. PLOT SUMMARY
After growing up near San Francisco, a young Japanese woman returns with her parents to Japan but she feels foreign and out of place.

C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDLING CULTURAL MARKERS)
Say’s story is deeply personal because it is about his mother and father. His mother, Masako or May, is the central character who feels out of place when she moves back to Japan. Many immigrant people will relate to the feelings of May. Say adds Japanese details nicely. May is not accepted by her Japanese classmates and is called “gaijin” which means foreigner. She does not understand Japanese culture and traditions like the kimono or tea ceremony. She enjoys wearing American dresses and hats instead of the kimono. Being a “good Japanese wife” is very important to May’s parents and May revolts. The theme of acceptance is seen as May moves to the city of Osaka and gets a job.
Say’s illustrations add to the story by showing how May stands apart. When she dresses in bright red and the rest of the picture is muted, it clearly shows how different she is. Say attempts to differentiate the characters by their hairstyles and facial expressions. Primarily, May stands apart by her different attire.

D. REVIEW EXCERPTS
ALA Notable Book
SLJ Best Book
“Continuing the story he started in Grandfather's Journey (Houghton, 1993), Say explores familiar themes of cultural connection and disconnection. The pages are filled with detailed drawings featuring Japanese architecture and clothing, and because of the artist's mastery at drawing figures, the people come to life as authentic and sympathetic characters. This is a thoughtful and poignant book that will appeal to a wide range of readers, particularly our nation's many immigrants who grapple with some of the same challenges as May and Joseph, including feeling at home in a place that is not their own.” SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

“Say's masterfully executed watercolors tell as much of this story about a young woman's challenging transition from America to Japan as his eloquent, economical prose. His exquisite, spare portraits convey emotions that lie close to the surface and flow easily from page to reader: with views of Masako's slumping posture and mask-like face as she dons her first kimono, or alone in the schoolyard, it's easy to sense her dejection. Through choice words and scrupulously choreographed paintings, Say's story communicates both the heart's yearning for individuality and freedom and how love and friendship can bridge cultural chasms.” PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY

E. CONNECTIONS
Read Say’s GRANDFATHER’S JOURNEY and see how these characters began.
Study author Allen Say’s biography and learn more about his background.