A series of hand-drawn cartoons chronicles the real-life experiences of 3 boys whose dad works for the U.S. State Department. We meet them as small children when the family sets out for their first assignment in Mauritania, and the book follows them through postings in France, Cote d’Ivoire, the U.S., and Turkey where the last two boys graduate from high school. The simple, kid-friendly text, and nicely-drawn pictures describe the boys’ everyday lives (where/what they like to play, what type of school they attend, etc.) as well as sharing some of their adventures visiting interesting places in each of the countries. Though perhaps more enjoyable for expat kids who have plenty of similar adventures, the book does not assume that readers have prior knowledge of diplomacy, and starts by explaining diplomats & embassies. That makes it something that any kid could read to learn more about the lives of Third Culture Kids (TCKs) from the diplomatic sector.
Reading level: age 6-9
This older picture book tells the story of a boy whose best friend moves away. They exchanged a cowboy toy for a spaceman toy and then William drove off with his family. Feeling down, Jimmy wanders over to Mary Ellen’s house, another friend his age. He’s surprised to find that they have a lot of fun together and Mary Ellen had been left out before when Jimmy only played with William.
Reading level: age 6 to 9 years
(This book is out of print and may be hard to find.)
Two young girls did everything together, from playing soccer and watching movies to fighting over checkers and getting the chicken pox. When one of them moves away, the other is left behind with only her memories, wishing she still had someone to go to school with or even to say sorry to. There’s still hope at the end, though, that they’ll each make new friends and be happy again.
Reading level: age 5-8 years
Hudson the dog was really excited to get to Paris because his owner told him that dogs get to go everywhere around the city with their owners. He got to go to the bakery and the hairdresser’s and a cafe. But when he arrived at the dog park, he discovered that he couldn’t understand the other dogs! So Hudson enrolled in French classes and started to learn new words to make friends with other expat dogs and Parisian dogs and even got a French girlfriend.
This cute story introduces kids to some basics of moving, like finding the bright side and learning the language and making new friends. Could be fun for little kids who have moved or are preparing to move (or want to visit Paris!).
Reading level: age 5-8 years
Miko’s Journey is a picture book with a coloring page next to each story page, following the adventure of Miko the chameleon who is moving to a new forest. Miko has to say goodbye to his family and friends and start the scary adventure to his new home. Though he has fun in his new forest and learning a new language, he misses his friends too. The story ends with Miko making friends with a zebra and getting to ride on his back.
After the story, there are extra coloring pages of Psalm 139:9-10 and then 8 discussion questions for kids who have recently moved to a new place.
Since this story was published by the Assemblies of God, it isn’t available to buy online but you can contact the publishers through their email: askmiko72@gmail.com
Reading level: age 4 to 8 years
This is an all-ages book that should be in every TCK’s library, even though it is formatted like a children’s book. It tells the story of a little boy who decides to banish everything that makes him sad, only to find that without all those things he’s… sad! Realizing that the things that make him sad also make him happy, he reclaims everything & lives happily & sadly ever after. A funny story with a powerful message about the paradox of TCK life–that joy & sadness go hand-in-hand.
“The Boy Who Didn’t Want to be Sad” is a great book for kids (and teens and adults) who are tired of all the goodbyes and losses of a mobile life. Whether it’s moving or being left behind by friends who move away, it can seem easier to stop investing because it hurts. This book reminds us that what brings us sadness is also what brings us joy.
