Books, videos, and websites for Third Culture Kids
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
When Toohy, a fence lizard loses his home and friends in a fire, he is taken in by Wood, a poetry- writing turtle. Wood helps him deal with the disorientation of living in a new place and the grief of losing his friends, especially his best friend Pearl the grey dove. This rather long, chapter book is more appropriate for older elementary children and could be helpful in processes losses.
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
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
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