Simply Jaimie

When it was time for Pati to go home, I didn't want her to. Pati said, "Poitu Varen," and then, "I'll go and come back." Her skin was soft as ever.  Pati flew home to India, but our love stretched across the world. And we both remembered.....  our promises to come back.  I'll Go and Come Back tells the story of Jyoti, a young girl who travels to India with her parents to visit family. Everything feels unfamiliar—the language, the food, the customs, and even the way her grandparents live. Feeling out of place, Jyoti struggles to connect with her surroundings. But through the patience, love, and understanding of her grandmother, Pati, India slowly begins to feel like home. By the end of the visit, Jyoti no longer wants to leave. When it is time for her to return to America, Pati comforts her by saying, "Poitu Varen," which means, "I'll go and come back." Later, when Pati visits Jyoti in America, the roles are reversed. Now it is Pa...

What is your favorite memory from a day at the beach? Was it building sandcastles, searching for seashells, jumping waves, collecting treasures along the shoreline, or simply spending time with family? Take a few minutes to record a beach memory you never want to forget. One of the reasons I love Wave by Suzy Lee is that it captures the wonder and joy of a child discovering the ocean. Without using any words, the story beautifully shows the playful relationship between a little girl and the waves as she explores the beach. The illustrations remind us that some of our most meaningful memories are found in simple moments of curiosity, laughter, and adventure. As you reflect on today's memory prompt, think about a favorite day at the beach. Who was with you? What did you do? What made the day special? Record as many details as you can. One day, that memory may become a treasured story for future generations. I will never forget the morning after one very memorable family beach trip. ...

HEARTS OF GOLD One of the more difficult parts of David's story is found in 2 Samuel 11–12. David, a man who loved the Lord and had been greatly blessed by Him, made serious mistakes. Through the prophet Nathan, David was called to repentance and forced to confront the consequences of his actions. As I read these chapters, I couldn't help but think about family history. Sometimes we imagine our ancestors as heroes of the faith—and often they are. We celebrate their courage, admire their sacrifices, and cherish the stories they left behind. Yet as we learn more about them, we may also discover mistakes, poor decisions, and painful chapters that are harder to understand. Like David, our ancestors were real people. They experienced moments of great faith as well as moments of weakness. Their stories remind us that discipleship is not about perfection, but about continually turning our hearts toward the Lord. The truth is that every family tree contains stories of both faith and fr...

This middle grade novel follows two timelines that are separated by more than a thousand years. One story follows twelve-year-old Han Yu as he travels across China during the Tang Dynasty in an effort to save his family. The second follows twelve-year-old Luli, a young girl living in New York City in 1931, who is trying to prevent her family from losing everything. As both characters navigate their own journeys, readers discover the surprising ways their stories connect across time and place. This book is filled with cliffhangers, hardships, and mystical animals who watch over and protect the characters along the way. The story kept me turning pages as Han Yu and Luli faced difficult choices, unexpected obstacles, and moments that tested their courage. Readers who enjoy adventure, folklore, and historical fiction will find plenty to love in this novel. There were many moments in this book that connected beautifully to family history. One of my favorites comes when Yiyi explains that th...

"I miss Daddy," said the little girl. "I do too," said Mommy. "But Daddy is still with us, even when we can't see him. We can meet him in our dreams and take him with us as we create new memories." - The Dreams We Made  Earlier this year, my son's third-grade teacher sent an email letting parents know that he would be unable to attend the class Valentine's Day party. His brother-in-law had unexpectedly passed away, leaving behind a wife and four young children. This week, as my children and I have been preparing for Father's Day, I have found myself thinking about those four children. For the first time, they will wake up on Father's Day without their dad there to celebrate. The thought breaks my heart. Unfortunately, they are not alone. Many children are navigating Father's Day while carrying the grief of losing their father. While no book can remove that pain, stories can offer comfort, understanding, and the reassurance that the...

One of my favorite places to find family history inspiration is the children's section of the library. Every week, I come home with a stack of books, hoping to discover stories that spark conversations about family, identity, memories, traditions, and the people who have shaped our lives. As a family historian, I am always looking for books that help children connect with their own story. Some books inspire meaningful conversations. Some introduce important family history concepts. Others are simply wonderful stories that help children see themselves and their families in new ways. That's what inspired this new series: Library Roundup: Buy, Borrow, or Leave on the Shelf . In each roundup, I'll share recent library reads and give my verdict about whether I would: buy, borrow again from the library , or leave on the shelf next time . Along the way, I'll highlight the family history themes, discussion opportunities, and activities that each book might inspire. Whether you...