This cheerful tale of a brother and sister talks about Katie and Jacob’s move to Japan and adventures in learning the location and culture. The sibling must adjust to Japan as their dad is gone on military duty but dive right into learning Japanese customs even though they miss their father.
This would be a great book for TCKs moving to Japan as it takes time to point out important customs (like the importance of being on time) and shows a very positive view of moving and Japan in general.
Reading level: age 8-11 years
In this TCK story, a brother and sister move with their parents to a US military base in South Korea. The beginning of the book describes Katie and Jacob’s adventures exploring the city and Korean culture and settling into a new routine in life. Then Katie starts to experience bullying at school and gets help from her family and teacher to make the situation right.
This would be a great book for any young TCKs who are experiencing bullying (or who parents/ guardians suspect of experiencing bullying). Though the book is long for a picture book, it would be appropriate for older kids to read alone.
Reading level: age 8-11 years
This beautifully illustrated book is inspired by the poem Brown Girl Dreaming and describes what it’s like for a child to be different from the other kids in her classroom. Whether it’s in looks, accent, what she eats or the kinds of stories she tells, it’s difficult to feel alone and apart. “The Day You Begin” encourages kids to tell their stories and look out for others who may be different as well, even if they aren’t the same kind of different as them.
Reading level: age 5-8 years
A little boy approaches his family’s upcoming move abroad as a series of mysteries to solve with his best friend. Each “chapter” addresses a different question that arises in his mind, including:
- Where is this country & what is it like?
- What will happen to his things?
- What about his house?
- Will he be able to keep in touch with friends?
The format of this book makes it most suitable to be read to kids rather than by them.
Reading level: age 6-9 years
The bear family plans to move to the Philippines to tell people about Jesus. Brothers Stanley and Harold feel differently about the move – Harold is excited, while Stanley is sad about leaving his home, friends and grandparents. Talking it over with him mom helps though and the brothers go through the important rituals of saying goodbyes. A good discussion starter for young children. This book is very difficult to find online but is available from the author. Find Roger Dyer, MK Merimna on LinkedIn to request it.
Reading level: age 6-9 years
When rebels try to take over the government in Ethiopia, where Charlie lives with his missionary parents, his family plans to evacuate the country. While his mother and baby sister leave for Kenya with another missionary family, Charlie and his father are separated when rebels arrest his father for having a short-wave radio. Completely dependent on the family of his best friend,
Wandaro, and Ethiopian Christians to help him and his father escape, Charlie prays, clinging to the promise, “He shall call upon me, and I will answer him.” This easy chapter book is listed as being for ages 6-8 years old, but the story may be frightening for some younger children.
Reading level: age 6-8 years
