Set in the US in the days of the pioneers, this story, full of sorrow, tenderness and wisdom, is perfect for TCKs who face moving far from loved ones.
Lydia’s parents are packing the covered wagon that will take them to Oregon, a thousand miles away from all she’s ever known, and heartbroken Lydia just “can’t say goodbye to grandma.”
Lydia finds Grandma swinging on her swing and “picturing” – recalling memories of the good times they shared together. And thus begins a gentle, deliberate process of leave-taking guided by Lydia’s wise and comforting Grandma. Together they run and play, laughing and recalling their memories of this place and of each other. When sadness comes, Lydia puts her head on Grandma’s lap and cries until she runs out of tears. When it comes time to part, Grandma gives Lydia a gift that will soothe homesickness, and sends her on her way with “kisses on the wind” that they can exchange across any distance.
Disguised as a story, this book illustrates describes some extremely helpful ways to say goodbye well and ease the pain of “missing” when children separate from beloved family or friends. (But good luck reading it to your children without getting choked up).
Reading level: 3 to 7 years
I HIGHLY recommend this small book for children who are moving to a new location, especially one far away. It gives wise advice presented through the story of Patches, a teddy bear who moves frequently (so far, he has lived in Russia, Ecuador, Ukraine, and Paraguay).
The story isn’t so much about the process of moving as it is about how to say goodbye to a place, and how to carry your memories and use them to comfort yourself when you are homesick for your previous home(s). It closes with a question that will help young readers think about their own plan for saying goodbye – perhaps by trying some of Patches’ strategies. The practical ideas illustrated in this small book are based on sound psychology. Young readers who follow Patches’ example will be better prepared to settle into their new homes because they’ve said goodbyes well to their last one.
Unlike most children’s stories about moving which assume a move within the same country, both the story and the illustrations in this this book make it clear that Patches is making an international move. That makes it especially relevant for young Third Culture Kids moving internationally with their expat parents.
While the book is written for children, its advice would be of value to TCKs moving at any age – even as adults!
Reading level: 3 to 7 years
A wordless story about “leaving a beloved home, coming to a different place, and…creating a new life for yourself.”
After moving to a new country, a little boy clings to his memories of home until an unexpected event and a joyful girl lead him to discover delightful things in his new home. Though this is (rightly) considered an immigrant story, the boy could just as easily be an Asian TCK…or really, any TCK who grew up in Asia and had to move away. And the story will resonate with any TCK feeling withdrawn and miserable after moving to a new city.
The author, who moved from Korea to the US at age 4 writes: “I hope my story helps you see that you’re not alone.”
Reading level: 5 to 10 years (but really, all ages)
Little Adelina loves to help her father repair airplanes. When her family decides to move to the jungle to be missionary pilots, she has to say goodbye to all the people, places & things she knows & loves. When fear sets in, she finds comfort in her beloved Aviator Bear, and strength in God who gives her “courage bigger than the sky” so she can boldly set out on her new adventure.
This wonderful book for missionary kids has appealing illustrations & a sweet story. The twist at the end brought tears to my eyes.
Reading level: 3 to 7 years
This small, full-color book is written TO kids who will be moving about what to expect and how they may feel about it. It includes variety of activities for kids – some to help them process the move (e.g. “Circle or coloring pictures of things you will miss”); others that are not moving-specific (e.g. mazes, word search, etc). Some things it covers don’t fit typically for moving overseas (e.g. a real estate agent helping you choose between various types of US houses) but would be fine for TCKs moving TO the US from another country.
Reading level: 4 to 10 years (as per the title…)
“Estrellita was sadly saying, from the window of the giant plane, ‘Goodbye my precious, little island, darling piece of my heart. I am leaving…without knowing when I will hug you again, but you will forever be my beloved.'”
As she flies to a new home, a child recalls the things she loved about the land she’s leaving behind. Her lyrical reflections may inspire young TCKs to create their own goodbye tributes as they move to new homes.
Written in Spanish and English. The Spanish verses rhyme and are printed above the unrhymed English text.
Reading level: age 5-10
