Events & Visits

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Check back soon (or subscribe) to be posted on new events.

Click below to watch the re-play of Helena’s recent chat with the Los Angeles Public Library about her newest book, Sora’s Seashells.

TO BOOK AN EVENT OR VISIT:

Please visit Authors Unbound / Authors Out Loud to book an event or visit with Helena. The site provides comprehensive info, including Helena’s various talks, sample presentations, plus a press kit. If you have any questions about the content of Helena’s talks, feel free to send an e-mail to Helena.

For a good sense of Helena’s presentations, please check out her NPR interview, the video recording with the Los Angeles Public Library, or her video recording with the San Francisco Public Library & Litquake.

                              

AUDIENCE FEEDBACK:

“You did a great job with the kids and your presentation was amazing!  You are definitely operating within your life’s calling.” —Romondo L. (Administrator, Los Angeles Public Library)

“I really enjoyed having you at Seoul Foreign School. Honestly you were one of my best author visits during my 20 years at SFS. The kids still talk about you.”  –Janet H., (School Librarian, Seoul Foreign School)

“Helena’s visit to our school was an absolute treat. She spoke to the youngest students in a thoughtful, sincere, age-appropriate way that many adults can’t manage. Helena presented her story of how she grew into a writer in a way that helped kids understand the combination of hard work, joyful creativity, and desire to give back to the people who have always helped and loved her. We were so happy to have had the honor of hosting this visit!” Rachel Anne M. (Librarian, St. Matthews Parish School, Pacific Palisades)

“Helena gave a wonderful presentation to the 1st through 4th grade students at my school! The students were fascinated to learn about the history of the Korean turtle ship. They enjoyed hearing about her writing process and learning how The Turtle Ship was created.” —Nicky M. (Head Librarian, Carlthorp School, Santa Monica) 

“I attended the book reading you did several weeks ago at the Palms Rancho Library.  My older son, age five, adores your book! I am the ‘mystery’ reader at my son’s school tomorrow and plan to surprise him by reading this book. What a wonderful book. Just wanted to let you know the joy it has brought our family…and hopefully more children tomorrow!” —Emily P. (Audience Member, Palms Rancho Park branch of the Los Angeles Public Library)

“Your story was truly inspiring! I know you have planted a special seed in our students’ hearts. We hope to see you again with your new book.” —Rebecca K. (Teacher, Monte Vista School)

“Just had to send a huge thank you for your visit today!  Your presentation was so engaging, relatable and motivational – it was awesome to see the class so excited and eager to ask questions. You beautifully and effortlessly wove everything together, and I’m pretty sure you inspired a bunch of future authors.” — Diane U. (Parent, Darien Schools, Connecticut)

“Castlewood is so thankful for your virtual visit, and we keep saying how perfect it was! There were even classes who had recess/Friday fun time and they did not even mind missing it! They love the book and were so engaged with your visit.” — Heather S. (Teacher, PS 186 Castlewood, New York)

“THANK YOU so much for an amazing visit! Our students and teachers really enjoyed your session, and they particularly liked how you shared your journey in a storytelling manner. One of the students asked me if you were my friend! Another one of our teachers said she was moved to tears listening to your presentation.” — Gillian P. (Literacy Specialist, Gyeonggi Suwon International School, South Korea)

“We were so fortunate to have you visit the school.  It was the highlight of the week. You’re so talented and have such a nice way with the kids.  We can now add our time with you to our 2022 memory book!” — Sherrie L. (Librarian, Royle Elementary School, Connecticut)

“The messages you shared resonated with both our kids and parents. My favorite moment was when a student said, ‘I’m Korean!’ We all know representation matters but it’s moments like truly illustrate the importance of making sure everyone is seen.” — Stephanie L. (Assistant Head of School, Mirman School, Los Angeles)

SOME PAST EVENTS:

  • Your Author Program (Virtual) for Sora’s Seashells, Los Angeles Public Library. Watch here.
  • Author Visit, Curtis School, Los Angeles, California.
  • Author Visit, Mirman School, Los Angeles, California.
  • Author Visit, Wonderland Elementary, Los Angeles, California.
  • Author Visit, Stanford Elementary, South Gate, California.
  • Your Author Program (Virtual) for Rosa’s Song, Los Angeles Public Library. Watch here.
  • Book Launch Event (Virtual) for Rosa’s Song, Children’s Book World. Watch here.
  • Panelist, Yale Writers Roundtable, New Haven, Connecticut.
  • Virtual School Visit, Royle Elementary School, Darien, Connecticut.
  • Panelist, LitFest Pasadena. “Beyond Words” panel with Dana Middelton, Marla Frazee, Andrea Loney & Michelle Markel.
  • School Visit, Dr. Ronald E. McNair Elementary, Compton, California.
  • AAPI Heritage Month All Star Author Talk with fellow panelists Dan Santat, Kelly Yang and Lisa Yee (hosted by Children’s Book World & TeachAAPI.org). Watch here.
  • Keynote, Speaker, KABA Southern California.
  • Virtual School Visit, Gyeonggi Suwon International School, South Korea.
  • Virtual School Visit, PS 186 (Castlewood), Queens, New York.
  • Litquake/Kidquake presenter, San Francisco (Virtual). Watch here.
  • Virtual School Visit, Darien Public Schools, Connecticut.
  • Author Series (Virtual), Los Angeles Public Library & the Library Foundation. Watch here.
  • Keynote Speaker (Virtual), Volunteer English Program, Pennsylvania.
  • Virtual School Visit, Wish Charter School, Los Angeles.
  • Virtual School Visit, San Francisco Unified School District.
  • Stories for Families (Virtual), hosted by Walmart & the IW Group.
  • Keynote Speaker, Korean American Bar Association.
  • Virtual School Visit, GEA School, Los Angeles.
  • Virtual School Visit, Bullis Charter School, Los Altos, CA.
  • Virtual Reading, Adventure Theatre MTC, Maryland.
  • Virtual Visit, Los Angeles Public Library – Palms Rancho Park Branch.
  • Webinar, Yale 1stGen — virtual conference.
  • Author Visit, Walden School Book Fair, Pasadena.
  • Author Visit, St. Matthew’s Parish School, Pacific Palisades.
  • Book Launch, Children’s Book World, Los Angeles.
  • Author Visit, Monte Vista Elementary School, La Crescenta.
  • Author Visit, Monterey Hills Elementary School, South Pasadena.
  • Guest Author for Día de los Niños, Santa Monica Public Library – Montana Branch, Santa Monica.
  • Read Across America Event, Dr. Sammy Lee Medical & Health Science Magnet Elementary, Los Angeles.
  • Panelist, California School Library Association Conference.
  • Author Visit, The Carlthorp School, Santa Monica.
  • Guest Author, Los Angeles Public Library Winter Author Series, Pio Pico Branch (Koreatown) Branch.
  • Guest Author, Los Angeles Public Library Winter Author Series, Palms-Rancho Park Branch.
  • Guest Author, Princeville Public Library, Island of Kaua’i, Hawaii.
  • Author Visit, Seoul Foreign School – American & British Divisions, Seoul, South Korea.
  • Book Launch Event, Books of Wonder, NYC, New York.