Simply Jaimie

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...

Family history helps us understand where we came from and the experiences that shaped the lives of those who came before us. It preserves stories of courage, sacrifice, resilience, and hope so they are not forgotten. Juneteenth is a day of remembrance that commemorates June 19, 1865, when news of emancipation finally reached enslaved people in Texas—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued. It is a celebration of freedom, but it is also an opportunity to learn about the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of those whose stories are an important part of American history. Children's books can help bring these stories to life. Through the experiences of real people and fictional characters inspired by history, young readers can develop empathy, appreciation, and a deeper understanding of the generations who came before them. These books remind us that every family has a story worth remembering and that preserving those stories helps ensure they are neve...

Many of us have ancestors who left behind everything they knew in search of a better future. They crossed oceans, traveled great distances, learned new customs, and faced uncertainty with remarkable courage. While children may struggle to understand those sacrifices, stories can help bring those experiences to life. This is one of the reasons I chose to spotlight One Big Open Sky by Lesa Cline-Ransome. Told in verse, the novel follows three girls traveling west on the Oregon Trail. Each girl carries her own hopes, fears, and dreams as she leaves behind the familiar and journeys toward an uncertain future. As their wagon train moves across rivers, prairies, and unfamiliar landscapes, the girls face the realities of pioneer life. There are moments of friendship, wonder, disappointment, fear, and loss. They encounter difficult choices, changing relationships, and the uncertainty that comes with leaving everything familiar behind. Through it all, readers become deeply invested in their st...

 Some of the most treasured family stories begin with a simple memory. The way Dad laughed at his own jokes. The Saturday morning routines. The advice he gave. The traditions he created. The quiet ways he showed his love and support. Too often, we assume we will always remember these moments. Yet as the years pass, the details can begin to fade. Taking time to record our memories helps preserve not only the stories themselves but also the lessons, values, and relationships that shaped our lives. These memory prompts are designed to help you reflect on your relationship with your dad and capture the moments that matter most. Whether your memories are funny, meaningful, ordinary, or profound, each one is a piece of your family story worth preserving. Choose one prompt or work through them all. You may be surprised by the memories that come rushing back and the stories waiting to be shared with future generations. to download/print the memory prompt activity page simply click here or ...