Library Roundup 5: Buy, Borrow, or Leave on the Shelf
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're building a family history-centered home library or simply looking for meaningful books to enjoy with your children, I hope these roundups help you discover stories worth sharing.
Let's take a look at our next stack.
Mama has decided it’s time for their next big outdoor adventure, but Oliver is not so sure. He is no fan of bazillion-mile, brain-melting car rides, sleeping in places with bears, bugs, and bats, or sticky, icky food—blech! Mama is convinced that memories are best made outdoors, but Oliver is determined to make this adventure his last. However, as the trip unfolds, something begins to change. After hide-and-seek, hiking, and s’mores, Oliver realizes that there just might be fun times and unforgettable moments to treasure after all.
Many of our ancestors experienced journeys that took them far from what was familiar. Whether they traveled across towns, countries, or oceans, they often faced uncertainty, discomfort, and new surroundings. Like Oliver, they may not have always felt excited at first—but over time, many discovered new joys, traditions, and memories along the way. A Room with a View reminds us that even when adventures feel challenging, they can become meaningful parts of our family’s story, filled with experiences worth remembering and passing on.
When Jae moves from South Korea to a new country, everything feels unfamiliar and he deeply misses home. He soon meets Rosa, a kind girl who helps him explore his new surroundings and feel less alone. When Rosa suddenly leaves, she leaves behind her parrot and a comforting song she once sang. Jae later shares that song with other newly arrived children, helping them feel welcome and connected.
Not every story we carry comes from the past—some are created in the moments when we are learning who we are. Rosa's Song shows how music, memory, and friendship can help us stay connected to where we came from while also building a sense of belonging in a new place. Just as Rosa’s song helps Jae remember home and share comfort with others, families often pass down songs, sayings, and stories that help children feel connected across distance, change, and time.
A young girl wishes she had a name that was easier for others to pronounce. When she shares her feelings with her mother, she learns the powerful story behind her name and begins to see it with new appreciation. This heartfelt book encourages children to embrace their identity and recognize that every name carries meaning.
One of the first stories we inherit is the story of our name. Whether we were named after an ancestor, inspired by a family tradition, or given a name with special meaning, those stories help us understand who we are. My Name Is a Story reminds us that learning and sharing the stories behind our names is a simple yet meaningful way to connect children to their family history.
Violet notices that family dinners have become quieter as everyone is distracted by their own screens. Longing for the laughter and conversations they once shared, she comes up with a plan to bring everyone back to the table. Peter H. Reynolds gently reminds readers that meaningful connections are often found in the simple act of gathering together.
Some of the best family stories are shared around the dinner table. It's where traditions are passed on, memories are retold, and children learn about the people who came before them. Our Table reminds us that creating space for conversation today helps preserve the stories our families will cherish tomorrow.
When Unhei moves to a new country, she worries that her classmates won't be able to pronounce her Korean name. As they eagerly suggest new names for her, Unhei wonders whether changing her name will help her fit in. Through kindness and friendship, she discovers the value of embracing the name that connects her to her family and heritage.
Names are often one of the strongest connections we have to our family and cultural heritage. They tell stories of where we come from, the people who came before us, and the traditions that shaped our family. The Name Jar encourages children to take pride in their names and reminds us that every name has a story worth discovering and sharing.
This collection of books reminded me that family history is about so much more than discovering the people who came before us. It helps us understand who we are today. Our names, the places we call home, the songs we sing, the traditions we keep, and the conversations we share around the table all become part of the story we inherit and the story we continue to write.
As we share these stories with our children, we help them develop a sense of identity and belonging. They begin to see that they are part of something much bigger than themselves—a family story that stretches across generations and continues through them. And perhaps that's one of the greatest gifts family history can offer: the confidence that every child has a place, a purpose, and a story worth sharing.
I hope this roundup inspires you to visit your local library, discover a new favorite book, and use it as an opportunity to share a family story or create a new memory together.
Until next time, happy reading!
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