Broken Stereotypes: Stories from Third Culture Kids

As a child, how does it feel to suddenly realize that you can’t tell Santa what you want for Christmas because he doesn’t speak your language? What is the proper way to express appreciation to the chef for a delicious meal? Eat everything on your plate? Slurp your food noisily? And how should a serious student behave in class? Sit quietly, attentively taking notes, or participate and ask questions?These are just a few of the cultural conundrums experienced by “third culture kids” and recounted in this collection. As their teacher, I must admit to a certain amount of bias. Nonetheless, I do believe that many people will find that these stories, written in the kids’ own authentic voices, offer fascinating insights into their experiences and the worlds they inhabit.