Books, videos, and websites for Third Culture Kids
When Toohy, a fence lizard loses his home and friends in a fire, he is taken in by Wood, a poetry- writing turtle. Wood helps him deal with the disorientation of living in a new place and the grief of losing his friends, especially his best friend Pearl the grey dove. This rather long, chapter book is more appropriate for older elementary children and could be helpful in processes losses.
Boomer the dog is puzzled by all the activity around him at his home. When no one has time to take him for a walk, he hunts for his toy, but cannot find it anywhere. After the movers clear out the house, he is taken for a very long ride to a new house, where he soon discovers many new and interesting things and new friends – and his favorite toy. This moving story from a dog’s perspective has simple text and heartwarming illustrations. It could be comforting for children (with or without pets) preparing for a move.
Reading level: age 3-7 years
The simple rhymes in this book talk about the things that are the same and different about children. Differences include eye and skin color, names, ways of eating (chopsticks v.s. spoons), language, homes (some from other cultures are shown), and clothes. Children with physical disabilities are also represented. The major point of the book: “We are alike – yet different, too. God made us both, He loves me and you.”
Reading level: age 3-7 years
Gregor and his family are moving from Russia to America, and he is not sure he wants to go. He’ll miss his friends, teacher, and familiar places. When they pack, each family member is allowed to choose one memento to bring along, and Gregor decides on his blanket. When he meets his cousin in America, though, he is embarrassed by his choice, until he and his cousin discover that they have something very special in common. Fun fact: this book is illustrated by a TCK.
Reading level: age 4-8 years
Kathy and Louise are best friends, so when Louise goes away for the summer, Kathy is lonely and assumes Louise is, too. When Louise writes to say what fun she is having, Kathy feels hurt and betrayed. Although she plans to stay mad at Louise forever, they reconcile at the end of the summer. Although this book is not directly related to TCK subjects, it does tackle the subject of angry and hurt feelings when a friend doesn’t seem to miss you as much as you miss them.
Reading level: age 3-7 years
Jazmin has just arrived in California from El Salvador. Her mother prepares her by visiting her school ahead of time, but she is still nervous because she does not speak any English. Her homeroom teacher mispronounces her name, and she does not understand what people are saying to her. Eventually, though, she is able to demonstrate her ability to play soccer, and she makes a friend who begins to teach her English. Written in first person by Jazmin and illustrated with photographs, this book deals with going to a new school and learning a new language all at the same time.
Reading level: age 8-11 years