I’m the first to admit I’m a sucker for a good young adult (YA) novel. From epic to cheesy they’re still my go-to book section to browse at any store or library. What a delight to re-read some old favorites and suddenly realize the protagonist is a third culture kid! Or at least a culturally confused individual saving a kingdom, falling in love or navigating their place in the world. Whether you’re soaking up the last of the summer sun, curled up on a beach blanket or enjoying a snowy day with a fireplace and hot cocoa I hope you find a piece of your own story in these pages. Whether you’re a mom looking for homeschool inspiration or a third culture kid getting ready for an extra long flight I hope these cheesy reads keep you captivated and strike a few good discussions too. That’s what the best kind of books do, if you ask me.
Here’s my CURRENT list of fave & FUN third culture kid reads!
I love a story that both entertains and engages important questions around belonging and identity.
All are fiction, written for a young adult audience but for your reading discretion here is a tried and true rating system:
MV - Great for all ages, bed time stories and Mama Vance approved.
HP - If you’re okay with your kids reading Harry Potter, you’ll be okay with these ones. May contain a little swearing, references to mature relationships, a lot of adventure and strong independent characters.
R&R - Sex, drugs, rock & roll, these books tackle the tough topics but hold no bars when it comes to real life. Recommended for older teens or 18+ who still love a good YA novel like I do.
We all know what it’s like to be the new kid. Elenor navigates some of the moments we have nightmares about while remaining true to herself. Park has never felt like he belongs but making friends with Elenor challenges him to use his unique differences to fight for what’s right. Dabbles with bi-racial families and relationships too.
Rated: HP
An exuberant city girl spends a summer in the quiet countryside. Her freedom and strong will clashes with the expectations of her extended family and the village culture. A great read for young ones getting ready to see family for the first time after being abroad and how to manage the expectations of feeling a little “different”, being true to yourself and learning from those around you.
Rating: MV
I know I know. I wasn’t allowed to read these as a kid either. BUT! In my young adult rebellion, they are a series of books I read over and over again. Everyone knows the premise- Harry is a young wizard who gets in trouble, goes on grand adventures and ultimately destroys the evil Voldemort *eek spoiler alert!* But did you know Harry grew up in the “muggle” or non-magic Britain? Did you know he spends each of the 7 books learning more about the wizarding culture and navigating his belonging between these drastically different worlds? These are a must read for any TCK and may even prompt a Kaleidoscope Book Club next time I make my way through the series.
Rated: HP. Obviously.
(Also Lola and The Boy Next Door + Isla and the Happily Ever After)
Anna is shipped off to Paris for her senior year. Most people would think this is a dream but she’s just homesick for her best friend until she meets a rag-tag group of TCKs. It doesn’t hurt that one of them has rockstar hair and a British accent.
Rated: HP
My brothers and I laugh/cried our way through these! Written by an actual from-the-jungle-missionary-kid with a wicked sense of humor. There might be decades and continents between our stories but some things are the same no matter what.
Rated: MV
Think Mean Girls meets 10 Things I Hate About You. Norris is a French Canadian who moves to the very foreign Austin, Texas. His “field notes” explore habits and culture of the typical U.S. teenager with biting sarcasm and heartbreaking introspection. It hurts so good.
Rated: R&R