This excellent book for children has sections (5 chapters each) about preparing to move; moving; exploring the new culture; settling in; dealing with “the realities”; and moving on. In each chapter expat kids, ages 8-13, share their own experiences, then the author answers common questions & closes with a “Real Life Tip.” “The Kids’ Guide to Living Abroad” is relevant for elementary/primary students and above.
Kids and parents can read each chapter as it becomes relevant rather than all at once and sections can be skipped if they don’t apply. A lot of ground is covered!
Reading level: age 8 to 12 years
This collection of short poems tells the story of a Chinese American brother and sister moving away from their home and extended family in San Francisco. Their grandmother gives them each a memory box to fill with tiny treasures as they make the journey to their new home. This melancholy book could help kids in the midst of a move and inspire them to savor memories and say goodbye well.
“For their move far away, Gracie and Jake are sad to leave
the golden bridge,
the trolley tracks,
and Nai Nai.
“But they fill empty boxes with treasures—
a marble, a snake,
a pair of wings.
Tiny reminders of all they love—
so happiness stays close,
no matter where they go.”
Reading level: age 5 to 8 years
A wonderful book for TCKs, it’s written from the perspective of Robert whose best friend, Peter, moves away. Robert is sulky and resists changes even though his friend has moved and seems to have moved on. Though at first Robert resists making a new friend, a letter from Peter helps him see he can make a new friend without forgetting the old. (Also a great book for little boys who love frogs.)
Read about when Peter returns to visit Robert in, “Best Friends, Together Again.”
Reading level: age 4 to 8 years
Though not a TCK story, The Lotus Seed illustrates the preciousness of those special mementos we carry with us to remind us of where we used to live. It’s the story of a young Vietnamese girl who saves a lotus seed and carries it with her to remember her homeland after she flees to America, and her sorrow when she believes she has lost it forever. The story of a woman who adapts to a new way of life without forgetting her past, this book has gorgeous illustrations and a beautiful, poignant story that even teens and adults can appreciate.
Reading level: age 6 to 9 years, and applicable to older children and teens as well.
Cristina, an MK growing up in Brazil, has spent months dreaming about her quinze anos party, the 15th birthday celebration when a girl becomes a young lady. Now the family is on furlough in Minnesota, and Cristina is certain her quinze anos will be a disappointment. To make things worse, she finds it difficult to fit in at school despite the welcome of Lisa, her best friend from the previous furlough. Although Lisa generally includes her in activities, Cristina feels like an outsider, unable to find anyone who understands or cares about the things that are important to her. Uncertain of the latest styles or slang, she often feels foolish at school. Nevertheless, she is drawn to Jason, whose part-Korean ancestry makes him stand out too though in appearance rather than behavior. Together they face the attacks of the “in” crowd and discover that there are positive things about being “between two worlds.”
Despite its somewhat cheesy title, this is a really enjoyable and relatable read. It even shows how different TCKs from the same family can react to moving and goodbyes differently. The story is a little older so social media and cell phones aren’t part of the teenage world in “Between Two Worlds” but the dynamics of US American public school are still relevant.
“I live at 165 East 95th Street, and I’m going to stay here forever,” the East Coast boy announces at the start of this entertaining little book. He worries about what his new home will be like when he moves out West from New York City. Then he discovers a boy moving from the west to New York who has the similar fears. This book is funny and helps kids acknowledge fears and confront stereotypes about the place they’re moving to. Its focus is on moves within the US but could be applied to international moves as well.
Reading level: age 5 and up.
