A Bit About Amy

Welcome and thanks for stopping by! I hope you’ll connect to some of what’s here.

I’m the author of A Place Where Sunflowers Grow (Children’s Book Press, an imprint of Lee & Low Books, 2006). This picture book was inspired by my family’s experiences living in a Japanese American internment camp during WWII. What I pursued as a family project ended up winning the Jane Addams Children’s Book Award for Younger Children in 2007.

The process of writing, publishing, and promoting my book was one of the highlights of my life. For years, I held on to my dream of writing more picture books. Then a few years ago, I got to work. My stories range from quirky to lyrical, and they’re connected by hope.

For a window into the life (mine!) that fuels much of my writing, check out A Bunch About Amy. I draw heavily from my experiences as a teacher, a mom and, once upon a time, a child myself.

The kid in me still believes that dreams can come true…

Me with birthday cake.
Making a wish (or maybe just excited to eat cake)

…The adult in me knows that it takes hard work. And that by focusing on writing, I’m already living my dream.

As my career evolves, so will this website. Please come again!