FREE

Allen Say is the award-winning author and illustrator of many acclaimed children’s books, including Drawing from Memory, an autobiographical volume that explored his love of comic books through a collection of his own photographs and drawings. Say now offers a companion to that book in The Inker’s Shadow, a graphic novel that tells the story of his own coming-of-age.

As a teenager in Southern California, Say was sent to an American military academy by his father so he could learn English and “become a success in life.” As the school’s first and only Japanese student, he immediately faced racism from his fellow cadets and teachers, who were all white; their complaints about his presence relegated him to a tool shed behind the mess hall. Determined to escape, Say saved up his money to buy a 1946 Ford for $50—and set out to find the America of his dreams.

Say will be joined in conversation by Lori Benton, Vice President and Publisher for Scholastic Trade Publishing. Benton is a longtime publisher and promoter of children’s books, and has known Say as both an author and a friend for decades. Say will be available for signings after the talk.

Seating is available first come, first serve. Doors open at 1:30 p.m.

The Inker’s Shadow is available at the JANM Store.