Tag Archives: tck resource

Book Review: NOURISHED by Anna Danforth

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Nourished: Third Culture Kids & the Village They Need

by Anna Danforth

Published: 2026

Genre: Resource

Summary

Anna Danforth has drawn on her experiences as a TCK, the parenting of her own TCKs, and research to unpack the seven positive childhood experiences (PCE) of TCK life. The first five chapters set the backdrop for the TCK, including who is in a TCK’s village and why they matter. She spends a chapter discussing research on children growing up with PCE versus those who do not. Danforth then explores each of the seven PCE, plus a bonus need that she feels is also necessary – multigenerational belonging – in the next eight chapters. The last chapter sums up the book and urges the reader to think and do the next right thing for TCKs in their own lives.

The book’s structure is consistent and easy to follow. First, Danforth guides you through an exercise to examine your timeline of when you had an abundance of PCE and when you lacked it. This exercise is meant to show you that none of us has all seven PCEs at all times, but we can notice when they are lacking. This exercise can help parents and caregivers of TCKs create a timeline of their lives. The second way that the book is consistent is how it tackles each of the PCEs. Each chapter begins with a story that introduces us to the PCE, followed by the subheadings: Why is it Important?; What Happens When Kids Don’t Get It?; Why Are Kids Not Getting It?; and How Do We Do It? At the end of each of the chapters, Danforth offers self-reflection questions along with space to add to your own timeline.

Recommendations

I think this is one of the better TCK parenting books out today. It has experience, but it is backed by research. Anna has taken the time to verify the studies to ensure they are peer-reviewed, which is very important to me. She explains each PCE in story form before breaking it down. I will be honest: I did not agree with all of her parenting suggestions, but that doesn’t mean they were bad. We are different people and can have different opinions on how to go about parenting. But I do agree with all of the PCE, and even the bonus need she adds. If you are a parent or work with TCKs, I highly recommend this book. It is an excellent resource (notice how many tabs I have sticking out).

* Please note that as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Book Review: MISUNDERSTOOD by Tanya Crossman

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MISUNDERSTOOD: The impact of growing up overseas in the 21st century

by Tanya Crossman

Published: 2016 by Summertime Publishing

*Please note that I earn from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate. Please see the disclaimer at the bottom of the page.

Summary

Misunderstood is a resource book for ATCKs, those who support TCKs, and those who are raising them. Tanya noticed differences between older ATCKs and those born after the 1980s. Through research and interviews, Tanya shares the insights she gained. This book is divided into six chapters. It covers the basics of TCKs and CCKs and how the definition is shifting somewhat. Tanya writes about the various experiences of TCK life from military to missionary, but also non-traditional to international education families. I appreciated this section as it is not always covered in other books that I’ve read.

Tanya spends a good deal of time on transition, grief, and starting over again..and again..and again. It is essential for anyone working with TCKs to understand the difficulties it can cause. The book ends with a chapter on what she titles “The Inner Lives of TCKs” and “The Future for TCKs.” Both chapters offer insights into TCKs of the 21st century and how they view life.

Why You Should Read This Book

Tanya has become known as a researcher of third culture kids (TCKs). She is currently the Director of Research for TCK Training. So, it’s no wonder this book is filled with statistics and quotes from many TCKs she interviewed. It is also filled with wisdom from other top researchers such as Doug Ota and Ruth Van Reken.

You can tell from all of my sticky notes that it is a good book. If you are seriously considering moving overseas with your child, even if you are an ATCK, this book is a rich resource. I also would recommend it to organizations who work with TCKs.