Growing up away from their passport country has a deep and lasting impact on children. Often, parents, teachers, family, and even the kids themselves don’t always fully understand how global life has affected these third culture kids (TCKs).
In Misunderstood: The Impact of Growing Up Overseas in the 21st Century, Tanya Crossman seeks to explain TCK life, acting “as translator between TCKs and those who care for them.”

Crossman does an excellent job of thoroughly addressing all aspects of TCK life both during their growing up years and as adults. Not only does she offer insight and research data, she also includes relevant quotes on nearly every page from TCKs themselves. Including the voices of TCKs and ATCKs was a very meaningful addition that helps the reader gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a global citizen. If TCKs often struggle with being misunderstood, this book goes a long way in helping change that.

I found myself nodding along as Crossman explained how factors like schooling choices, frequent transition and transition grief, patriotism, and repatriation impact children. Honestly, there was a lot in the book that helped me understand myself as someone who’s lived overseas for most of my adult life, as well as my own two TCKs.

This book should be part of every expat family’s library. Well done, Tanya!

 

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