The East-West House

The East-West House: Noguchi’s Childhood in Japan by Christy Hale

Isamu Noguchi spent many years of his childhood in Japan as a biracial child. His experiences there led him to become a sculptor who combined the best of both worlds in his art.

Using a minimal amount of text with large illustrations, the author-illustrator tells the story of Noguchi’s childhood.

A sample:
“At school he tried to join in play
but others teased and turned from him.
Left out and alone, Isamu made
a different kind of joy.
He molded clay to form a wave,
then painted it blue like Mama’s eyes.
Holding soft earth in his hands
he almost forgot his loneliness.”