Shell Song: Based on a True Family Story
Written by Sharon Fujimoto-Johnson
Illustrated by Sharon Fujimoto-Johnson
Published by Beach Lane Books
Based on the author’s true family history, this picture book about Japanese American incarceration in Hawai’i during World War II is a moving tribute to the importance of finding and collecting pieces of hope, big or small, even in the darkest of times.
Grandfather loved music, seashells, and the sound of the ocean in Hawai’i. But when war came, there was no more music. And in this war, there was no kindness for anyone who looked Japanese.
Taken to an island prison, Grandfather passed many long, lonely days away from his family searching for tiny seashells. He collected the shells, labelled them, and saved them with care. His collection has been passed down to his children and grandchildren, and now, author-illustrator Sharon Fujimoto-Johnson tells the story of her grandfather and his shells.
Primary ISBN: 9781665938679
Publication Date: April 2025
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 04 or older
Community Represented: Japanese/Japanese American
Themes: Cultural Empowerment, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Identity, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Storytelling, Detention & Deportation, Discrimination: Racial, Family Relationship: Grandparents, Generation: 2nd, Genre: Historical, Human Rights Violation: Abduction & Internment, Outdoor Exploration, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Trauma & Healing
Setting: United States (Hawai'i)
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 2nd Generation
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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Engagement Projects & Resources:
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Engagement Materials:
An excerpt from Sharon’s 12 x 12 Book Chat
Source: Beach Lane Books