As I grew up, my mother told me many stories about the year she turned seven. Inae Tak (Inae Suk, today) lived in her Busan home with her siblings when the Korean War began on June 25, 1950. Her parents were gracious hosts to distant relatives and neighbors fleeing from the North Korean and Chinese military. Though she lived through a war, she now considers herself “blessed” because she was not forced to leave her home, hiking for days like so many were made to do. At the time, she actually enjoyed having visitors and more children to play with. Guests during that three-year period continue to pay their respects to our family, even now, long after the passing of my grandmother, Jum Yae Tak, and grandfather, Im Jo Tak. The whole Tak family loved their neighbors from around Korea by welcoming them into their home before falling into the sea.

Unfortunately, war is just as much a part of our reality now as it was then. Exponential population growth and the climate crisis are sure to increase the rate of global strife. And whether we live inside a country at war or not, every day our global community grows closer through social media, binding us as neighbors, people whose welfare is tied to our own.

Kids are smart. Even children who grow up without war around them hear about fighting abroad, picking up on tensions and whispered conversations between adults. There’s no way to fully shield our children from this. The best way forward is to give them agency, to discuss tough topics with them in age-appropriate, empowering ways, to allow space for their questions, emotions, and—one of the most beautiful things about children—instinct to jump in with both feet and do something.

My goal with The House Before Falling Into the Sea was to show young readers that there are many ways, big and small, that can make a difference: from checking on a neighbor to opening their doors and hearts to those who need it, from listening with empathy and lending a shoulder to cry on, to sharing a smile, a hug, or a kind word. These are all age-inclusive ways that we can shower our neighbors with love and compassion. Children who learn the importance of this community care at a young age can’t help but mature into more thoughtful, caring adults—the kind of people we need in this world.

The House Before Falling Into the Sea is the story of a moment in time, in a place caught between the land and the sea, that is as relevant today as it was over 70 years ago, and will still be decades from now. My hope is that it inspires you and the children in your life to be brave, to move gently with yourself and each other through tough times, and to take whatever small steps you can today to begin building a better future tomorrow.

Written for Edelweiss, by me. Edited by Rosie Ahmed, Editor, Dial Penguin Random House

So please, come celebrate this debut with me in person (in California for now;) and bring kids if you can!

• Sat. 3/9 – Once Upon A Time (Montrose) The only store that’ll have copies early! Exact time TBD, roughly starting 3 or 4 PM (Similar to 3/16 event below, but smaller venue)
• Tues. 3/12 Publish Date/Book Birthday! “The House Before Falling into the Sea” will be on wide release. (*Reviews on Amazon, Goodreads is greatly appreciated… Support without spending $. I’ll be sending up prayers of thanksgiving for each!)
• *Sat. 3/16* – Vroman’s (Pasadena) This is the “big” debut party! Open to all, but encouraging local family/friends to come to this one! I’ll do a reading, Q&A, signings, and giveaways/swag
• Sat. 3/23-3/27 – Author friend, Judy Campbell Smith and I will be book signing/touring (LA-Orange Co-San Diego) Details later. Ice Cream Everywhere, debuts the same week as mine!