Books, videos, and websites for Third Culture Kids
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
Two Japanese-American kids, ages 5 and 11, move to Japan where their father’s company has been posted. Both kids initially dread the move and they are recognized as “gaijin” (foreigners) when the arrive, in spite of the fact that they are ethnically Japanese. Though they take different approaches to settling into new surroundings, both children eventually adjust, recognizing finally that they’ve grown in “ways that can’t be measured by a yardstick.” This oversized chapter/picture book is rather long for young children but would be good for older elementary or middle schoolers.
Reading level: age 9-12 years
The night before Jessica’s neighbor and best friend, Jason, moves to a new house across the city, she invites him for a good-bye party. Although they try to celebrate together, they end up fighting because they are both feeling so unhappy about the separation. When they make up, they are able to talk about their feelings and reaffirm their friendship.
Reading level: age 3-7 years