Tucson Festival of Books

Junko Sakoi (she/her/hers)

Junko Sakoi works for the Tucson Unified School District and serves on the National Council of Teachers of English Children's Poetry and Verse Novels Committee. She loves sharing stories with children and their families.

Arizona author

Communities: Tucsonan, Asian American

Scheduled events:

Outstanding International Books for Children & Teens

Explore the 2026 Outstanding International Book List for preschool through grade 12, the best of books from other countries being brought to the U.S. The session also overviews the process and purpose of the Outstanding International Book List.

Education Room 333: Parent Educator (Seats 44, Wheelchair accessible)

Sat, Mar 14, 1:00 pm - 1:55 pm
Children

Panelists: Suzii Parsons, Susan Polos, Junko Sakoi
Moderator: Brittany Butler

Award-Winning Poetry and Verse Novels

The 2025 list of Notable Books in Poetry and Novels in Verse will be presented by the NCTE Excellence in Poetry committee. The committee will discuss ways poetry can invite children to share their perspectives and experiences through language, imagery and format.

Education Room 333: Parent Educator (Seats 44, Wheelchair accessible)

Sun, Mar 15, 10:00 am - 10:55 am
Children

Panelists: Willeena Booker, Junko Sakoi, April Halprin Wayland, Jongsun Wee
Moderator: Junko Sakoi