“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
This cute book is narrated by a little gecko from Laos. He introduces the readers to his home in the capital city of Vientiane, and explains he usually shares his house with a family. Illustrations show the new expat family who has just moved in. Little Gecko quickly befriends the children (and scares their mom), and together they explore the city. All too soon it’s time for the family to move again. Still, Little Gecko is glad for the time they had together.
“Friendships are special no matter when they start. Goodbyes just mean you have a place in my heart.”
Written in both English and Lao, this book combines a travelogue about Laos with a snippet of a story about a brief friendship between a lizard and two little TCKs. But the cute illustrations, rhyming text, and sweet message make the odd combination work.
This is a sweet story of a little girl who loves being with her best friend Alice so much that she never says goodbye…just “Goodnight Alice.” But when Alice moves to a different country, they have to find a new way to keep their friendship alive.
Written lyrically with simple illustrations and the soothing refrain “Goodnight Alice” on each page, this lovely book will encourage young children who have been separated from a friend to find new ways to can keep the friendship going despite the distance.
Reading level: 3 to 7 years
Of all the books I’ve reviewed for kids moving internationally, this is by far my top pick! Unlike other activity books, it is not about moving to a new house but about things kids encounter when adjusting to a new culture and living abroad.
Each of the twenty-three “chapters” covers a different challenge a TCK might face living internationally – encountering “weird” things, being stared at by strangers, missing friends, missing out on activities with extended family, feeling connected to several flags & countries and many more. Each section starts with one or two stories by TCKs, followed by a brief insight or suggestion written by the parent. An activity then helps kids express themselves, problem-solve, or gain a new perspective.
The book is illustrated with colorful children’s drawings and photos of the actual children who wrote the stories (the authors’ children). The children themselves come from all over the world and live all over the world.
As a TCK Caregiver, this is the book I give to all our parents when they move overseas for the first time with children.
You can download a PDF with four sample “chapters” at the book’s website: http://www.slurpingsoup.com/book/preview-the-book/
Reading level: 3-12 years
Third Culture Kids live in world filled with goodbyes and cultural adjustments and they may not always know how to express and process the complicated thoughts and feelings that arise as they navigate those experiences. This book offers simple exercises that kids or teens can do to better connect with their inner experiences. It offers tools to help them gain insight and understanding and to learn healthy ways to handle their feelings.
The topics and types of activities vary widely. They include such things as recollecting favorite things, learning to problem solve, creating a family tree, reflecting on identity, constructing a life timeline and much more. Some activities are specifically related to TCK mobility or cross-cultural experiences while others are simply skills for building emotional health.
Worksheets are simply drawn. Some are suitable for younger children, especially if a parent could read the “instructions” to them. Older children or teens could work through the book independently or parents (or teachers or counselors) could go through the book with kids/teens, using the activities to spark reflection and discussion.
Reading level: 6 to 13 years
This collection of writings from Asian MKs who have lived all around the world gives insight into the experiences of MKs of all ages. The book is split into three sections: Children, Adolescents and Adults with journal entries from different MKs on a variety of subjects from school to goodbyes to rootedness. Most of the writers have a connection to Hong Kong (where the editor is based) and have at least one Chinese parent but their experiences are varied. Many issues unique to Asian MKs are addressed, like differences in education systems, maintaining Chinese roots, and cultural differences within the family.
This book would be great for Asian TCKs processing their own experiences, Asian missionary parents and those working with Asian MKs. Understanding a TCK perspective other than the Western one is beneficial to all TCK workers, as well.
