Tea with Milk

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Say, Allen. 1999. Tea with milk. Boston: Harcourt Mifflin. ISBN 9780547237473

PLOT SUMMARY

May, raised near San Francisco, is forced to move back to her family’s homeland, Japan. Miserable and homesick, she tries to make a life for herself in the city of Osaka—despite displeasing her parents. This story tells the true events leading to the meeting of author Allen Say’s parents.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In this semi-biographical picture book, author and illustrator Allen Say tells the story of how his parents met. The main character is Masako (known as May). She grew up in America speaking English, getting an education, and planning to move out and go to college—all practices commonly acceptable in the United States.

However, her parents move her back to their village in Japan where all those plans go out the door. She has to repeat high school to learn Japanese and how to be a proper Japanese lady—wear a kimono, sit on the floor, and get married. May’s mother hires a matchmaker in an attempt to marry her off. While a common practice in this culture, May was raised in an American culture. Her goals go against what is typical of women in Japanese culture.

May decides to change her fate by moving to the city of Osaka where she is not longer expected to wear traditional garb. She also gets a job—an unacceptable practice for women. Her boring job leads her to interact with an English-speaking family. This event serves as a turning point for May is finally allowed (and required!) to speak her beloved English, as she becomes a store guide for foreign businessmen, her future husband being one of them!

Although she must wear the traditional kimono at work, she has the opportunity to interact with touring foreigners—who are less foreign to her than the native people of Japan. Quite the contradicting cultural practice!

In addition to the dress and a description of female gender roles, Say mentions the practice of matchmaking, sitting on the floor, the art of calligraphy, and the tea ceremony. While the story does not necessitate the detailing of all these practices, the reader may understand more about the significance of these practices if they were explained with more depth.

Say includes his signature photograph-like illustrations to complement the text. Readers see the emotion on May’s face as they read what happens to her. The beautiful full-page paintings give readers visual images to aid in understanding the setting, dress, and customs written about.

As is common in writing from this culture, the text structure is non-linear, meaning it does not follow a rising action, climax, and resolution plot line. Instead, it lays out major events leading to Say’s parents’ meeting.

Readers, don’t be fooled by the picture book format! Tea with Milk embodies a cultural lesson, a young woman’s journey, and a great love story.

AWARDS AND REVIEWS

Booklist Book Review Stars, March 1999

Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, 1999

School Library Journal Best Books, 1999

School Library Journal Book Review Stars, 1999

ALSC Notable Children's Books, 2000

“Both an "ugly duckling" romance and a universal story of leaving home, this is a picture book that will have intense appeal for older readers.” –Booklist, March 1999

“In describing how his parents met, Say continues to explore the ways that differing cultures can harmonize…” –Kirkus Review, 1999

“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, March 1999

CONNECTIONS

Interviewing May

With a partner, write 5-8 open-ended questions for an interview with May. Using the information you know about May from the book (and other soruces you find), answer these questions. Post and color-code your questions and answers on the library wiki.

Biographical Comic Strip

Ask your parents (grandparents, aunt/uncle, etc.) about their meeting. How did they meet? How long have they known one another? Etc. Use this information to create a 5 frame minimum biographical comic strip.

Travel Journal

Even though Tea with Milk is a short picture book, May travels several places. Make a paper book travel journal to record where she goes and major events that happen there. Add illustrations to aid your memory.