About TCK’s

Third Culture Kids: Growing up Among Worlds by David Pollock, Ruth Van Reken, and Michael Pollock (2017)
The 3rd edition of the classic book describing the impact of growing up internationally. This is the seminal book on Third Culture Kids, describing the challenges and benefits of being a TCK as well as giving concrete advice for supporting your TCK. Important read for parents, teachers, mission leaders, and high school and older TCKs themselves. Audio version also available!

Safe Passage: How Mobility Affects People and What International Schools Should Do About It by Douglas Ota (2014)
Written for international school administration and teachers, Doug Ota presents the case for and describes concrete steps towards developing a transition program for students entering and leaving a school.

The Whole Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson (2011)
While nothing to do with growing up or living cross-culturally, this book explains the brain science (in understandable terms!) behind children’s emotionally motivated behavior. The authors provide practical strategies like “connect and redirect” and “name it to tame it” that will help you teach your children how to manage the inevitable strong emotions experienced during multiple transitions and repeated goodbyes.

Caring for TCK’s in the Midst of Transition by Kristy (Little) Fujiura (2018)
Kristy, Psy.D. (Rosemead School of Psychology), serves as a therapist at Alongside, a retreat center offering professional counseling in Michigan USA (see her profile, under Counseling Staff) and as a board member of Narramore Christian Foundation. She was raised as an EFC MK in Japan and has served as an EFCCM short term missionary in Nagoya and Tokyo.

For Younger TCK's

Swirly by Sara Saunders (2012)
Lila is born to a blue family who moves to a yellow country and then a red country. As she picks up the colors of her new homes, she realizes she doesn’t quite fit in anywhere until she meets a swirly friend and his mom. Includes a Christian spiritual component. Picture book, but awesome for TCK’s of all ages.

Sammy’s Next Move by Helen Maffini (2011)
Sammy the snail has lived in many exciting places and learns he is moving again. Explores the mixed thoughts and feelings of transition and living in many different places. Ages: elementary school.

The Boy Who Didn’t Want to be Sad by Rob Goldblatt (2004)
A boy slowly gets rid of everything that makes him sad until he ends up all alone. Teaches the lesson that the things that make us sad are often the things that also make us happy. Picture book, but great for TCK’s of all ages.

My Very Exciting, Sorta Scary, Big Move by Lori Attanasia (2013)
A very practical and emotionally intelligent workbook to prepare children for an upcoming move. Consider working through the book with your child. Not TCK specific. Ages 5-11.

A House for Hermit Crab by Eric Carle (2014)
Hermit crab gets too big for his shell and finds another one. Along the way he meets many different new friends until it’s time to say goodbye and find another new shell. Ages preschool through elementary school.

Tea With Milk by Allen Say (2009)
May (or Masko), raised in the US by Japanese parents, returns to Japan after high school. May struggles to belong in Japan until she eventually realizes she can make her home in any country. Ages 4-7, but great for TCK’s of any age.

Slurping Soup and Other Confusions: True Stories and Activities to Help Third Culture Kids During Transition by Maryam Anna Ahmad, Cherie Emigh, Ulrike Gemmer, Barbara Menezes, Kathryn Tonges, Lucinda Willshire (2013)
True TCK stories and activity ideas to help children adjust to living in a new country. Ages preschool through elementary school.

Moving planet isn’t easy by Catalina del Rio Faes, 2012
Flup and his family are moving from the planet Xtron to Earth. Flup is worried about the move, but eventually learns that Earth isn’t so scary after all. Could encourage discussion about your kids' fears about food, language, and making friends. Ages: elementary school.

For Older TCK’s

Arrivals and Departures and the Adventures In-Between by Christopher O’Shaughnessy (2014).
Chris uses his own adventurous TCK stories (he grew up in a military family) to illustrate key benefits and struggles of TCK’s. Hilarious and engaging. Even includes QR codes for interactive reading. Ages high school, college, and beyond.

Hiding in the Hallway: Anchoring Yourself as an MK by Jeanne Harrison (2017)
Jeanne challenges MK’s to take on their faith as their own, while wisely addressing many challenges of MK life. Ages: high school, college, and beyond.

Michele Phoenix, MK Advocate.

Among Worlds Magazine

ReBoot, transition retreats for MK’s by MORE Network Canada.

Home Keeps Moving (2010) by Heidi Sand-Hart.

Raising Global Nomads: Parenting Abroad in an On-Demand World (2006) by Robin Pascoe.

Families on the Move (2001) by Marion Knell.

The Global Nomad's Guide to University Transition (2010) by Tina Quick.