Sharon Fujimoto-Johnson's work is rooted in her Japanese-American heritage but more broadly seeks to normalize all types of stories of underrepresented characters who don't fit mainstream boxes. Her books "Shell Song" and "The Mochi Makers" are children's books that intersect the messages of the past with the hopes for future generations. Shell Song is the first ever children's book about Japanese American incarceration in Hawaii told through Sharon's family history and the shell collection she inherited from her grandfather. Come visit the store for a chance to speak with her about her experiences and written works at 10am featuring Shell Song. There will also be a keiki activity.

Then at 2pm, Sharon will be sharing her poetry featured in Gate of Memory, a poetry anthology comprised of poems by descendants of Japanese Americans incarcerated.

Joining Sharon will be author Dr. Kelli Nakamura as she discusses her book "Legacies of Incarceration: The World War II Experience of Hawaii's Japanese". Legacies of Incarceration provides a holistic view of the incarceration experience of Hawaii's Japanese by exploring the factors that shaped the circumstances of confinement on each island before, during ,and after WWII. This book examines residents' experiences on Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Molokaʻi, Lanaʻi, Kauaʻi, and Oʻahu, expanding beyond an Oʻahu-centric urban focus to highlight the community impact of incarceration.