When you need more
I love sharing my interest in science and history for younger and older readers.
Since 2008, I have been exploring the depths of my ignorance in this blog pursuing my curiosity. I wonder what I'll do next?
Some recent posts —
Co-written editorials on multimedia science communications for Science Borealis, a portal for Canadian science blogs since 2013
Some recent posts —
Part of a series for Science World, on cherry blossoms, fuel cell cars, and other examples of every day wonders.
Science in the City articles on behalf of Science World, including how toilets, caffeine, and cell phones work (but not all together).
Poked around for information on the science of laparoscopy and realized my Dad would not have such a big scar on his belly if he had a gall bladder operation nowadays.
Short pieces for shorter readers, on the science of building sand castles, how carrots got orange, and the ecology of sea stars. Unfortunately, like its older sister, Yes Mag, no longer in production.
News and features on all kinds of science topics for young readers, including how Vikings navigated, growth rates in Tyrannosaurs, and robotic camel racing. Unfortunately, no longer in production.
Hammered out an article on the hard life of a blacksmith in the Middle Ages.
Cutting edge Facts and Arguments about carving watermelon.
An essay on touring internment camps in British Columbia with my parents and other Japanese Canadian survivors.
Occasional personal essays in Japanese Canadian (Nikkei) culture for this national community newspaper.
Japanese Notes shares my unstuck in time experience of an overly enthusiastic Japanese choir.
Here are some projects I've curated, researched, written or somehow contributed to.
Researched and wrote exhibit content about the history of immigration to Canada, designed an interactive game, and drew this photo op.
Researched and wrote descriptions of Canadian inventions as part of exhibits and computer interactive.
Researched and wrote banners on three values important to the Japanese Canadian community. Gaman relates to endurance, Giri involves social obligation, and Gambare is doing one's best.
(Photo: NNM 2010.23.2.4.708)
Worked with RAM staff to develop engaging natural and human history exhibit text for younger visitors in the new museum scheduled to open in Edmonton in 2018.
Wrote the text for the refurbishing of the interactive children's play area with design firm W3 (2014).
Researched and organized materials about the history of Japanese Canadians for the exhibit in the restored Japanese Fishermen's building at the Steveston Museum.
Researched background information on sustainability for the outdoor science park.
Researched content, developed exhibits, and wrote text with NNM Director/Curator Beth Carter in collaboration with the Nikkei Fishermen's Committee and the W3 design company on the history of Japanese Canadians in fishing.
(photo: A Jensen)
Interviewed members of Karen community about their lives in refugee camps and uprooting from Burma, collected artifacts, and curated display. A moving experience for me.
Developed concepts, researched, and wrote content for gallery on the challenges of balancing environmental, economic, and social issues.
Sometimes, I like to make things up.
Momoko is here to make the world a better place. One ogre at a time.
A quirky adventure inspired by Japan’s Peach Boy folk tale.
Pajama Press, 2014
Awards:
2014 Toronto Public Library “First & Best” List
Reviews:
“…this story has a satisfying ring and a tasty ending. A winningly good-natured version of a familiar favorite.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Nakamura’s playful twists on gender tropes combined with Bender’s outstanding visuals make this a fun and important book for boys and girls alike.”—Quill & Quire
“As Momoko likes to say whenever she is pleased, this book is “Peachy!” in all its lush, juicy goodness.”—National Reading Campaign
“feisty Momoko is a truth-seeking explorer who doesn’t let gossip…deter her from having fabulous experiences…Momoko is surely a 21st-century original hero with epic potential.”—Smithsonian BookDragon
My short story "The Young and The Wrestling" won the 2015 Nikkei Voice newspaper writing contest. It was about a women's professional wrestling show in a rural part of Japan, based on my experiences.
My story combining Japanese Canadian internment and the Urashima Taro folk tale came in second in 2016 but they let me illustrate it.
A satirical piece on the questionable science of Finding Nemo.
For Whom the Bell Cricket Tolls tells the story of a costume party at a science centre.
An anthology of sport poems for younger readers, with fifty poets from ten different countries, including me!
Friesen Press, 2012
