The only book of its kind, this focuses, as the title suggests on preparing TCKs for the transition to university/college after high school graduation. Writing primarily to university-bound TCKs, the author devotes approximately half the book to an in-depth look at transition process using Dave Pollock’s Transition model, as well as some typical TCK challenges (e.g. relationships, identity, etc.). The second half of the book covers practical matters related to life on campus, financial and physical health, etc. plus a chapter on personality differences based on the Myers-Briggs Temperament Inventory. The final chapter is for parents, addressing how to prepare and support their college-bound kids.
Farah is the new kid in her classroom and she can’t speak or understand much English yet. Everything is new and she seems so different from the other kids. Even though her parents encourage her that this move will be good in the end, she misses her old home. On a field trip, she starts to see ways that the sounds here in the new place are similar to ones back home and she takes the first steps towards making friends and learning English.
This book would be great for TCKs learning a new language or going to a new school for the first time. Though it seems more aimed at immigrant families than TCKs there is a lot of overlap.
Reading level: age 5 to 9 years
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 is a story about a girl starting school at an International School overseas (“Detinu” is “United” spelled backwards). A typical book about starting a new school, but with a TCK twist – the new classmates are from all over the world. Sydney is nervous to start 3rd grade but by the end of the day she has the beginnings of new friendships and is optimistic about the coming year.
Reading level: age 7 to 10 years
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.
“It’s different here, not the same as there.”
In this sequel to I Know Here the same little Canadian girl compares how things were in her previous home with how they are now in Toronto. Some changes are hard, some aren’t good or bad, but one important change makes the new place different in a very good way: a friend her own age! Comparing her last forest-filled home with her new suburban/ city life, the illustrations bring out the best of both settings. Another beautifully-written book, this could be read along with I Know Here or stand alone.
Reading level: age 4-7 years.
