Books, videos, and websites for Third Culture Kids
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
Nona, who was raised by her Ayah on her father’s tea estate in India, is sent back England to live with relatives at age eight. Given no choice in the matter, she feels very out of place in the new country. She dresses and talks differently, likes different things, and finds life in the city frighteningly fast-paced. Her older cousins are kind, but her younger cousin, jealous of the attention Nona was given, teases Nona and makes it harder for her to fit in. Then Great-Aunt Lucy sends two Japanese dolls from America, and as Nona works to make the two dolls from a foreign land feel comfortable, she finds herself making friends and adjusting to her new life, as well. The story is followed by detailed instructions for making a Japanese dollhouse, the project Nona and her cousins undertake in the book.
(NOTE: For those who want to read about further adventures of the girls and their Japanese dolls, Little Plum (1962) is a sequel. In this second book, however, Nona is well-adjusted to life in England and the focus is more on Nona’s cousin, Belinda, so it is not included on this website as a TCK book.)
Reading level: age 8-11 years
More a photo book than a picture book, this sweet story follows the life of 5 year old Eliza as she adapts to life in a remote Malaysian village. She boils ants out of her water, adventures through the jungle and pees in a squatty potty (don’t worry there aren’t pictures of specifically that). She discovers some things that she loves – like the candies at school – and others that frustrate her – like the way everyone touches her blonde hair.
Though this is an older book, I would recommend it to families with young children moving to remote areas to help prepare their kids for some of the rougher aspects of village life that are still applicable today. It can also get them excited for the unique joys of living somewhere unconventional. Kids already living far from paved roads could relate to Eliza’s story.
Reading level: age 4-8 years
This cheerful tale of a brother and sister talks about Katie and Jacob’s move to Japan and adventures in learning the location and culture. The sibling must adjust to Japan as their dad is gone on military duty but dive right into learning Japanese customs even though they miss their father.
This would be a great book for TCKs moving to Japan as it takes time to point out important customs (like the importance of being on time) and shows a very positive view of moving and Japan in general.
Reading level: age 8-11 years
A little boy approaches his family’s upcoming move abroad as a series of mysteries to solve with his best friend. Each “chapter” addresses a different question that arises in his mind, including:
The format of this book makes it most suitable to be read to kids rather than by them.
Reading level: age 6-9 years
The bear family plans to move to the Philippines to tell people about Jesus. Brothers Stanley and Harold feel differently about the move – Harold is excited, while Stanley is sad about leaving his home, friends and grandparents. Talking it over with him mom helps though and the brothers go through the important rituals of saying goodbyes. A good discussion starter for young children. This book is very difficult to find online but is available from the author. Find Roger Dyer, MK Merimna on LinkedIn to request it.
Reading level: age 6-9 years