Books, videos, and websites for Third Culture Kids
His family is moving but Alexander has decided he’s not (and he means it!) going anywhere. He investigates other living arrangements while at the same time saying goodbye to people, places and things. His parents gently help him work through his feeling, until he finds himself packing. A humorous yet realistic look at a difficult situation.
Reading level: age 5-8 years
Five-year old Annie spends a month in Moscow with her parents, doctors who are working there in a hospital. When she first arrives, everything is unfamiliar – even the alphabet. Annie tries to cope with the unwelcome changes by withdrawing, but soon makes friends with Anya, a Russian girl at her daycare. Anya helps her learn Russian, and soon Annie is enjoying her new home. A touching portrayal of a child’s culture shock, especially when Annie comforts herself when overwhelmed with the Cyrillic writing around her by singing the alphabet song loudly to herself.
Reading level: age 6-9 years
Aimee is a missionary kid living in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) where it always seems like it’s going to rain but it never actually does. On her birthday she runs through the village inviting friends to her party who tell her that the rain is finally coming. They move her birthday party inside just before the rain comes pouring down. This was actually written by an MK from Zaire and she portrays the sights and sounds beautifully.
Reading level: age 3-8 years
This is a story about a Japanese boy’s first Christmas. A Japanese mother who was born and raised in California decorates a Christmas tree and shares her childhood experiences of Christmas with her young son in Japan. It’s actually the story of the author and his mother, by the same author of Grandfather’s Journey and Tea with Milk.
Reading level: age 4-9 years
When Simon’s family starts packing for a move to a new house, Simon thinks and talks about the reasons he does not want to leave and about his feelings about moving – and he attributes them all to his baby sister, Maggie. His mom helps him by suggesting that “Maggie” look over the new house and neighborhood and then decide. Finding fun things for Simon in the new place help “Maggie” decide to stay.
Reading level: age 3-7 years
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