Leaving Home: Third Culture Kids Confront the Coronavirus Pandemic

By Tamara L. Ballast

From the main character, Alana: "Hi! My name is Alana. I am nine years old. My brother Aiden is six, and we live in the Philippines. We love living here . . . or we did until a few weeks ago. When we first heard about 'coronavirus,' it seemed like a far-away problem that only adults worried about, a problem

• Language: English
• Publisher: Crippled Beagle Publishing
• Release date: Oct 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781970037791

Tamara L. Ballast

Ballast was born in the United States but spent most of her childhood in the Philippines where her parents were missionaries. She finished high school at Faith Academy in Metro Manila, Philippines, and completed her undergraduate degree in music education at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. From 1996 to 2016, she taught various ages (grades 1-12) and classes, including religious studies, general music, and concert band at Brent International School Subic (BISS) in Subic Bay, Philippines. While at BISS, she also directed the music and technical crew for multiple musical productions, led chapel services, and headed the Fine Arts Department from 2008-2016. Tammy's children, Michael and Melissa, were born in the Philippines and grew up as third generation TCKs. In 2016, she and her family returned to the United States to live in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tammy currently teaches ELL children virtually in the Knox County public school system and leads a weekly adult ELL class at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church, where she is a member. Her desire to become an author arose from her love of writing and her zeal for helping children in cultural transition.

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