Simply Jaimie

When we research our family history, it can be easy to think of world events as something that happened in history books. Yet our ancestors lived through those moments. They experienced wars, political unrest, economic hardship, and uncertainty while continuing to raise families, care for one another, and make difficult decisions. Learning about the world they lived in helps us better understand the choices they made and the people they became. This is one of the reasons I chose to spotlight The Teacher of Nomad Land by Daniel Nayeri. Set in Iran during World War II and inspired by true events, the novel follows Babak and his younger sister after the death of their father. Fearing they will be separated, Babak takes up his father's work as a teacher to the nomadic tribes. With a chalkboard strapped to his back and his sister by his side, the two journey across the mountains searching for the tribes they are meant to teach. Along the way, they meet a Jewish boy hiding from a Nazi s...

What is your favorite Fourth of July memory? Was it watching fireworks from a blanket in the park? Running through sprinklers before the barbecue? Waving sparklers after sunset? Or maybe it was simply spending the day with the people you love. One of the reasons I love Fireworks by Matthew Burgess is that it reminds us the best part of the Fourth of July isn't just the fireworks themselves. The story follows a family as they make their way through the city to watch the evening fireworks. Along the way, readers experience the excitement of the crowds, the anticipation of waiting, and finally the awe and wonder as the night sky comes alive. The book beautifully captures something many of us experience as children—that holidays are remembered not only for the events themselves, but for the people we shared them with. Years later, we may not remember every firework that lit the sky, but we remember who spread out the blanket, who held our hand in the crowd, and who sat beside us as we...

 "And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they gave him; And spake to them after the counsel of the young men... "  1 Kings 12:13-14 One of the saddest moments in 1 Kings 12 isn't simply that Rehoboam made a poor decision. It's that he rejected the wisdom of those who had walked the path before him. When Rehoboam became king, he sought counsel from two groups of people. The older men who had faithfully served his father, Solomon, urged him to lead with kindness and humility. The younger men who had grown up with him encouraged him to be harsh and demanding. Rehoboam chose to ignore the wisdom of experience, and that decision divided the kingdom. As I read these verses, I couldn't help but think about family history. One of the greatest blessings of family history is that it gives us access to the wisdom of those who came before us. We may not always agree with every choice our ancestors made, but they learned lessons th...

Family history often begins with a simple question: Who were the people who came before me, and how have their lives shaped my own? As we seek answers, we often discover that understanding our family's story helps us better understand ourselves. The choices, sacrifices, traditions, and experiences of previous generations continue to influence our lives in ways we may not fully recognize. This is one of the reasons I chose to spotlight A Sea of Lemon Trees by María Dolores Águila. Based on true events, the novel follows twelve-year-old Roberto Alvarez, the youngest of his siblings and the first in his family to be born in the United States. After his parents leave Mexico during a time of political upheaval in search of a better future, the family settles in California hoping to build a new life. When the Lemon Grove School Board attempts to segregate Mexican students from white students, Roberto, his family, and their community face an impossible choice. Amid threats of deportation...

Some of the most important parts of our family history are the moments that bring us joy. Over the past few weeks, I have shared several books that tackle heavier topics such as grief, loss, and difficult moments in history. While those stories are important, family history is not only about hardship. It is also about joy, belonging, family traditions, favorite places, and the memories that make us smile years later. This collection of books celebrates the lighter side of family history. From summer adventures with cousins and meals shared at home to beloved communities and traditions that bring people together, these stories remind us that some of our most treasured family memories are created in the ordinary moments of everyday life. If you're looking for books that celebrate connection, family, and the simple joys of childhood, these six titles are a wonderful place to start. Miss Rumphius story and pictures by Barbara Cooney As a young girl, Alice Rumphius is encouraged by her ...

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...