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
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
In this TCK story, a brother and sister move with their parents to a US military base in South Korea. The beginning of the book describes Katie and Jacob’s adventures exploring the city and Korean culture and settling into a new routine in life. Then Katie starts to experience bullying at school and gets help from her family and teacher to make the situation right.
This would be a great book for any young TCKs who are experiencing bullying (or who parents/ guardians suspect of experiencing bullying). Though the book is long for a picture book, it would be appropriate for older kids to read alone.
Reading level: age 8-11 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
