Homebound Melody by author Ames Chen and illustrated by Dominic On follows the journey of a girl, Melody Ji, who has to transition back to Singapore when her parents move back home after an overseas posting.
Melody, or MJ as her friends call her, has been away from Singapore for as long as she can remember. When her father’s job takes him back to Singapore, she is parachuted into an unfamiliar world.
She has to learn to adapt to unfamiliar school situations and classmates who think she speaks funny.
Homebound Melody captures MJ’s thoughts and journey as she seeks to find her footing back in Singapore, making adjustments to her new environment.
Homebound Melody: Third Culture Kids
Homebound Melody, published by Graceworks, is a book about “third culture kids”. This expression refers to those who were born in one place, grew up in another and then experienced a third culture in a new country.
With the international nature of today’s world, it is not uncommon to know of kids who have had to relocate from one country to the next with their families.
Third culture kids may experience culture shocks as they move from place to place, leading to feelings of displacement and anxiety.
By unmasking the experiences of third culture kids, Homebound Melody promotes the understanding of different cultures and backgrounds.
The book is beautifully and thoughtfully written by Ames Chen, who is also the author of the Invisible People series. It is one that parents can read through with their children ages 5 to 10 to share with them about accepting others and appreciating diversity.
In particular, it is a chance to discuss how children can reach out and befriend third culture kids that they may meet in school.
As the epilogue at the end of the book aptly puts it, “How can we support the third culture kids in our midst?”
The book also provides a platform for discussions on how different cultures can make up one’s identity. There is also an activity section at the back of the book.
For third culture kids, the book is an encouragement to stay positive and that they are not alone in their experience.
Homebound Melody is a reminder that we all have different experiences and the sum of these experiences makes us who we are.
Pick up a copy of Ames Chen’s Homebound Melody from online book retailer Naventure.sg.
If you enjoyed this story, we think that you may also enjoy this story on children’s bookstores in Singapore.
