SHARON FUJIMOTO-JOHNSON
AUTHOR-ILLUSTRATOR
public events
2026
Announced events are listed below. You may also subscribe to my Google events calendar.
Event: Authors on the Move! 2026 Gala
Saturday, March 14, 2026
5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, 500 J Street, Sacramento, CA
Events: San Mateo County Libraries
Sunday, April 12, 2026
10:30 AM Pacifica Sharp Park Branch
3:00 PM Half Moon Bay Branch
Two live readings of SHELL SONG will be presented in connection with One Book, One Coast 2026, in which almost 200 library systems in California, Oregon, and Washington will be reading George Takei's book, THEY CALLED US ENEMY. Sharon's presentation will introduce the historical context for the Japanese American incarceration, her family history, and a behind-the-scenes look at her creation process. View the actual shell collection that inspired SHELL SONG and participate in a rubber stamping craft activity.
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Scottish Rite Masonic Center
6151 H. St., East Sacramento, CA
11:00 -11:30 AM Reading: THE MOCHI MAKERS (Children's Stage)
12:30 - 1:15 Panel: "Home Grown," moderated by Beth Ruyak (Freedom Lounge)
Signing books all day in the children's area
Indie Bookstore Day: Sacramento Book Crawl
Saturday, April 25, 2026
10 AM to noon: Sharon Fujimoto-Johnson and Jennifer K. Morita
Old Haunts Bookshop
8789 Auburn Folsom Rd Suite C, Granite Bay, CA 95746
Story time, craft activities, Jennifer Morita's delicious butter mochi!
Event: Sunnyvale Public Library
Saturday, May 2, 2026
3:00 PM
A live reading of SHELL SONG in connection with One Book, One Coast 2026, in which almost 200 library systems in California, Oregon, and Washington will be reading George Takei's book, THEY CALLED US ENEMY. Sharon's presentation will introduce the historical context for the Japanese American incarceration, her family history, and a behind-the-scenes look at her creation process. View the actual shell collection that inspired SHELL SONG and participate in a rubber stamping craft activity.
Saturday, May 30, 2026
Berkeley Public Library | Community Room
11:45 AM
In times of danger and despair, kid-friendly stories and symbols can help families approach heavy topics, such as the ones in this panel. Touching on the difficult experiences of Japanese-Americans during the Japanese Incarceration in Hawai’i during World War II, Sharon Fujimoto-Johnson’s Shell Song tells of the true story of her grandfather’s detainment in an island prison, where he collected, labelled, and carefully saved tiny seashells that were later passed down to his children and grandchildren. In Lion’s Water, Sheila Hackbarth depicts the story of a Ugandan girl who must find the courage to protect herself and her brother after escaping the bad men who want to take control of their village. Another tender story that deals with hardships in an age-appropriate way, Yasi and Mina’s Pomegranate Tree by Nikoo Yahyazadeh is about two friends living in Tehran during the war with Iraq who get separated when one of them has to move to the United States. Oriented toward adults and older kids, this panel moderated by author, illustrator, and activist Innosanto Nagara will highlight the role of stories in helping children navigate difficult topics to find resilience and strength when they need it most.
Summer School: Suzume no Gakko
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Saturday, September 26, 2026
