This was a great own-voices depiction of a heavy subject, but written for and about children in a way that does not glamorize the actions of any of the people involved, the use of weapons, or treat the heavy and delicate subject matter as an adventure.

It is a great piece of writing by John Cho, and would engage a range of audiences - it was a really interesting for me as a white British female who remembers watching similar, but more recent, events reported on UK news.

I really welcome the addition of heavy subject material to children's literature where it reflects events that modern children either hear about or go through, and where it is done as well as this. I think it would be a beneficial read to a lot of younger readers for insights into Korean American family dynamics and experiences, though I would recommend first reading to be under parental guidance or with the knowledge that it is about a 12-year-old carrying a gun to his father, though this is never depicted lightly, and the gun is kept in a back-pack. Gun use is in no way glamorised in this book, rather it shows how easy it is for violence and the use of weapons for protection to be passed to younger members of society.

Excellent children's book. Troublemaker covers difficult topics without sensationalizing or sugar-coating. I think John Cho did a great job of capturing the mind-set of a middle schooler.

I will definitely be recommending this to our patrons! A diverse discussion about a historical event that has direct ties to discussions today. I know some people are wary of the plot point of him carrying a gun in his backpack, but as he says in the author's notes many children today go through active shooter drills so they know of guns and their serious nature. There is also a really good discussion of the severity of guns at the end so guns are never glorified. I liked that this book had Jordan grow and learn, he makes mistakes but comes into his own, things don't turn around until he tells the truth to his family. He finds that no one is perfect and we all have flaws. There are just so many great discussions in this. I would call this a great historicasl fiction but i know it usually has to be 50 years for it to be historical and this takes place in the 90s.

Troublemaker
By John Cho

I was a young girl when the LA Riot in 1992 took place over six days, and my parents’ small restaurant in Los Angeles was destroyed by the widespread looting that occurred.

Reading Troublemaker By John Cho was important to me, and reading the book through the lens of Jordan Park, a 12 year old Korean American. It felt like reliving what happened all over again, but this time with a keen sense of comprehension and understanding. I was young and lacked full grasp of the situation but I remembered two things – first, that I was scared, and second, that I had to be brave. Troublemaker was told in a course of one day, April 29th, 1992 the day the Rodney King Verdict was read, and the riot erupted all over Los Angeles. His father worried about their business leaves the house to board up their business but loses communication with the family. Jordan worried about his father, takes his father’s hidden gun and decides to find his father, and along the way and the course of the evening runs into lots of trouble including losing the gun and getting into a fight.

Troublemaker was the perfect book for me – I think many people who experienced the civil unrest can definitely relate, as well as, young readers just learning about the uprising in its historical setting, which is the backdrop of this story. At the heart of this novel is about the father son relationship, the brother and sister rivalry and bond, the expectations and disappointments from immigrant Asian parents, and most important of all is the love for family, and the lengths we go through to protect each other.

I was a little skeptical of this celebrity written middle grade novel. I was pleasantly surprised by John Cho's writing style. He made me feel like I was in the moment with him. I hope that he may write more in the future.

3.5 stars.

I was so excited to read this middle grade novel once I saw who the author was. Most people know John Cho from Harold & Kumar, but I’ll always know him as the ghost love interest from season 1 of Charmed.

Troublemaker is a story about many things. Centered around the 1992 LA Riots (after the verdict was announced regarding the police beating of Rodney King), the novel follows a kid named Jordan who is desperate to bring a gun to his father who has gone to his store in Koreatown to try and prep it against potential looting/arson. Along the way, we learn more about why these riots have started and how racial dynamics come into play. On top of that, we also learn more about Jordan and his friends/family: how Jordan never seems to be good enough for his father, how his mother attempts to hide any issues she faces from everyone else, how his grandfather lost his fingers in the Vietnam war, how his sister is struggling to keep up her reputation as the “good child”, and how his best friend doesn’t seem to fit in with society.

The overall plot and delivery of Troublemaker is not a complex one, so don’t go into this expecting to experience any major twists or complicated intertwining plot arcs. This book is one that sets out to tell its story in a very straightforward manner, but that doesn’t take away from the morals and historical knowledge that the novel delivers. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking to inform their kids a little bit more about the history of racial tensions in the United States, particularly in regard to the 1992 LA riots.

“Troublemaker” is an exciting, tension-filled adventure set during the outrage, riots, and violence in South Central Los Angeles in the aftermath of the Rodney King verdict. The main character, Jordan Park, is twelve years old and he’s going through a tough time, as many children do when they transition from elementary school to sixth grade.

Jordan is the youngest and only son in an immigrant Korean family, which includes his parents, older sister, and grandfather. He knows his parents are struggling to make a success of their life in the U.S. He had heard them talking and arguing in the kitchen when they thought he couldn’t hear. But his parents don’t openly discuss their circumstances, only ever insisting that he not worry.

At the same time, Jordan keeps his struggles to himself with the same intention, not adding to his parents’ worries. He wants to fix things on his own, his own way. It’s just that his choices to do so have only made things worse. He also feels he’s being held to an impossible standard; his older sister, Sarah, is practically perfect!

The exciting and tense story of Jordan’s mission to get to his father makes “Troublemaker” an absolute page-turner! Danger lurks around every corner as he and his friend, Mike, race their way through Koreatown: danger not only from the unusual event unfolding nearby but also that as a result of the boys’ actions as well.

“Troublemaker” is a look inside a Korean American family, and the author includes Korean honorifics with just the right amount of context for the reader to quickly understand the meaning. The family dynamics are such that most readers will readily relate to young Jordan’s dilemmas. I found many scenes touching, and I became filled with emotion.

Another significant aspect of the story is the presentation of the events of April 29, 1992, and its effects on the people of South Central, in general, and the Korean community, in particular. The author’s notes describe this book as one result of Cho’s desire to explain to his own children current events occurring after the murder of George Floyd and also the rise and public awareness of discrimination and violence focused against Asian Americans. The similarities of events, 30 years apart, are eye-opening, disheartening, and should stand as a reminder to do better.

With its exciting plot and relatable characters, “Troublemaker” is a wonderful middle-grade novel that even reluctant readers will enjoy. The author’s writing style is easy to read and very engaging. Young and older readers alike will be caught up in the action and not only for the pure adventure but for the historical events portrayed.

If you are looking for a book that you can finish in a single sitting or one day, then Troublemaker is the book for you. The entire story takes place within the span of a few hours. The plot picks up from the first chapter itself and draws you in, till you can’t put down the book. When I first picked this book up and start reading, I just sped through the chapters. The story is written in such a manner that it aids you in reading quickly. John Cho’s writing is simple and to the point, and tells you that you’re reading from the point of view of a young kid.

The book portrays the complicated and complex family dynamics of Jordan and his family. John Cho masterfully portrays the functioning of Asian families and how children in Asian families always feel pressured to prove themselves. Jordan also feels pressured to be an all-rounder because his older sister is amazing at everything she does, including academics and club activities. This was among the most relatable aspects for me because it reminded me so much of my own familial dynamics and how pressured I feel as the older sister to excel at whatever I do.

I strongly believe that this book sparks conversations and discussions around topics of racism, gun violence, police violence etc. These conversations are important to have, no matter the age group. What Troublemaker does is that it portrays them in a nuanced and realistic manner, showing them through the eyes of a child who finds himself caught in the middle of an extremely traumatic event. While this book is a middle-grade novel, I think it is a must-read for all age groups.

What a powerful book packed full of love, hardships, family, and truths. I remember the LA riots and the events leading up to them, so this book touches my heart, and I love being able to see it through a different lens.

And do you know who the author is? 🤩 I kinda fan-girled when I saw who it was! And then when I saw a blurb on the TV about him and the book last night, my family thought something was wrong when I screamed! 😂

Good writing, great details on important historical events, but just to make note that it is about a young boy, taking a gun from his father’s closet to take to him at his store for protection. It is not loaded, but he does walk all over at night with it in his backpack.

Overall, an enjoyable read.

Top 5 Reasons to Read this book

1. Middle grade book with important topic: I have always believed that Middle Grade books have much more depth than I sometimes find in adult books. This book especially discusses so much – growing up amidst conflict, immigration experience, the internal conflicts of kids, dealing with expectations and most importantly the ethics or role of a gun.
2. Immigration experience: It discusses immigration experience and the struggles that immigrants face – living in an environment they thought would provide the best opportunities, but that might or might not be true.
3. Rekindling of relationships: Friendships and Familial relationships are precious but they can be hurt or broken as easily and it covers ground about it.
4. Makes you think about right and wrong: Nothing is the same way as it is. We might think that a person is good/bad but is it the actions that are good/bad or the person? How do we classify a person in these categories? Violence might not be the answer to solutions always but how can we use that as an excuse to deny rights and freedom and justice to people. Can violence in the name of perpetual threat of petty things actually be justified – (in case you are wondering, no.)?
5. Narration is easy going and hooking: The thing about this book is, it tells you on paper about the questions asked ahead but in such a way that the authors thoughts aren’t imposed on the readers. Which is super amazing!

This book actually made me search the events of 1992 in LA. I really recommend reading this book!

Content Warnings: fires described, gun violence described, riots

I was provided with an arc in exchange of an honest review

There comes a time in the world of books that something appears from nowhere highlights an historical event but not seen through the normal eyes. Instead we see the LA Riots of 1992 through the eyes of 12 year old Jordan who is Korean.

This book had some guts having a main character under the age of 18 carrying an item which I 100 % believe that no other middle grade book would have done but in my view it was central to the story.

We all know why the LA Riots happened but I did not know of was the shooting of Latasha Harlins which was mentioned in the book by a Korean Shop Keeper. The book also highlighted that there was many kinds of racism. One scene which sticks out for me when a Police man stopped the two boys on what they were doing out late at night and instead of giving the riot act or worst but since they were good little asians then he had no trouble with them. This did horrify me but it cleverly showed the differences each culture felt.

Then you have the story of family and friendship. To Jordan's dad Jordan was a bit of a let down and why could he not be like his Sister Sarah and why was Jordan friends with Mike he was trouble. In fact these labelling of certain people made them feel of insignificance. I felt so much for Jordan all he wanted was for his father's acceptance and to get this he made dubious choices.

I do believe this is an important book which needs to be read by everyone whatever age they are. I am so glad I got a chance to read it and for all these reasons I have given Troublemaker 5 stars

I need to preface this review with this:
1. I thought this was a graphic novel [it was in the graphic novel section of NG] and I was very surprised to find that it was not. I was ready for a GN and was disappointed when that was not the case.
2. I am absolutely not the target audience for this book. Not even remotely. My rating is not because I liked the book. I will explain below.

My four star rating is not because I liked this book [hint, I didn't not love it. It was okay [again, I am SO not the target audience for this book], but it was also extremely frustrating to read as an adult who has helped raise kids. Kids do dumb things. Adults do dumb things and the conversations around those topics are the ones that resonated with me]. It is because I absolutely recognize the importance of this book [within the Asian/Korean community, with white kids who are totally clueless etc] and the impact it will have on ALL middle-grade readers [and hopefully all those around them as they read and talk about this book]. Jordan and his "trip" to find his father in the midst of the LA Riots is deeply reminiscent of the recent backlash to the Black Lives Matter marches and as someone who remembers the days of the LA Riots as well, this really resonated with me. To know the rest of the story [in regards to what happened in Koreatown] was a learning experience for me. For that alone, I am glad I read this.

Representation is so important and John Cho has written a book that will resonate with many and I will absolutely be recommending this book to people who have middle grade readers.

Thank you to NetGalley, John Cho, and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cho gives us a historical fiction novel about the 1992 L.A. Riots from a 12-year old perspective in his debut efforts. What I liked about Troublemaker was the abundance of information that was given. While I can tell Cho held on to the more aggressive information about the riots, it was still informative enough to teach kids how history repeats itself. I appreciate the viewpoints the character gave as a Korean American. Anything dealing with race, we always hear the affected group speaking out against the quality of injustice. Rarely do we hear the opinions of others who are also in the thick of it.

On a lighter note, I love the trend of parents having a sit down with their kids and having a mature conversation about situations. I think it's essential to showcase these conversations because it promotes healthy communication between people.

Overall I rated this book 5-stars. This is a tremendous middle-grade debut that should be on shelves everywhere. The topics weren't too heavy, and the story flowed quickly. You will become enthralled by the main character's mission to get to his father during the riots and while navigating social justice, Korean American identity, and the horrors of the L.A. Riots.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Troublemaker follows twelve-year-old Jordan’s dangerous journey to his family’s store during the rise of the LA riots. After watching the news escalate, he packs a gun hidden in his parents’ room in his backpack to deliver to his father running the store for protection. Along with his friends, they navigate through the city while encountering communities who are impacted by the riots.

This powerful and emotional middle grade historical fiction provides insight on the Korean American immigrant experience and the 1990’s events in Los Angeles, California, when Rodney King was brutally beaten up by LAPD police officers and the shooting of Latasha Harlins by a Korean store owner.

The use of symbolism emphasizes the challenges not only for communities, but of what Jordan personally carries with him: the pressure of living up to his parents’ expectations, to set an example like his perfect older sister, to hiding his suspension from cheating on his tests. Delicate yet truthful conversations with his family, friends, and his community help Jordan find his voice and reflect on how he is not alone as everyone has their own struggles and mistakes.

This fast-paced book will educate middle grade readers and bring up discussions about mental health, social justice, and standing with communities in times of need.

Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: Troublemaker

Author: John Cho

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 5/5

Diversity: Korean MC and characters, Black side characters

Recommended For...: middle grade readers, historical fiction, LA riots, police brutality, 1990s

Publication Date: March 22, 2022

Genre: MG Historical Fiction

Age Relevance: 10+ (violence, racism, police brutality, gore, religion, vandalism, emotional abuse)

Explanation of Above: As a prelude I want to say that this book is not graphic at all, but I do want to address some of the things that are shown in the book in case parents are restricting what their children are reading. There is a lot of violence mentioned in this book including gun violence. Along with this are police brutality and vandalism, which is also shown in the book. There is one scene where our MC is in a physical fight with his friend and some slight gore is shown with blood. Racism is discussed a bit in the book and there are mentions to religion including prayer and church. There is also a scene where a parent yells at their child that they are the “biggest disappointment” which causes a little bit of emotional damage to the child.

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Pages: 224

Synopsis: 12-year-old Jordan feels like he can't live up to the example his older sister set, or his parent's expectations. When he returns home from school one day hoping to hide his suspension, Los Angeles has reached a turning point. In the wake of the acquittal of the police officers filmed beating Rodney King, as well as the shooting of a young black teen, Latasha Harlins by a Korean store owner, the country is at the precipice of confronting its racist past and present.

As tensions escalate, Jordan's father leaves to check on the family store, spurring Jordan and his friends to embark on a dangerous journey to come to his aide, and come to terms with the racism within and affecting their community.

Review: I really loved this book! I’m very excited that more books, especially younger set ones, are discussing police brutality and the issues around racism. The book is set in the 90s during the LA riots and I loved viewing the book through the eyes of a Korean child who is just trying to prove himself to his father. The book is NOT graphic at all and it does an excellent job at showing what happened to Koreatown during the LA riots through the perspective of a child. The book has well developed characters and the world building is also well done. The book is amazingly well detailed and if you were a fan of I’m Not Dying With You Tonight or The Black Kids, you’ll love this book.

The only issue I had with the book is that it’s a bit quick and short. I’d love to see more of the aftermath of what happened and how the community came back together afterward.

Verdict: It’s really well done! Highly recommend!

I though this was a super engaging read. It also talked about a time period and experiecne that i never heard about it before. It also deals with typical middle school issues like family drama and friendship drama but it takes place in the backdrop of the rodney king riots and the experiecne of being korean american. It also has elements that deal with gun violence and other harder topics. It was super fast pace read!!! But i really enjoyed it!

Troublemaker by John Cho is a unique Korean-American perspective of the Rodney King verdict and subsequent LA Riots in the 1990s. The book is fast paced and just descriptive enough to not be too triggering. It would be a great novel to read in a history or civics class because it can spur a lot of conversation around police violence, social justice, immigrant experiences, and systemic racism in America.

CW: violence, racism, gun possession

Advanced copy provided courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This adult did not get misty eyed when reading Troublemaker, seeing a similar immigrant experience being shared.

It was not at all bittersweet feeling a one two punch and witnessing dreams deferred (father giving up reading/writing (Korean) poetry) or children stepping up and out of projected identities (the smart one, the good one, the one that behaves, the troublemaker).

There’s a lot to unpack with The Big Fight: expectations, sacrifice, going the right direction when everything is unknown, wanting to do better, gendered roles and the need to be strong/in charge/independent.

Yes, there is a gun, but it’s kept in a case and zipped within a backpack, left behind on a truck, and never unloads.

Rather, what does unload are the things unsaid: is America the right place to live out a dream?

“I think, wow. I brought my kids here. I thought I could give them everything. But what is really here for me to give?”

Racism. Pitting people of color against one another. “Protecting” wealthy communities and letting others burn.. Senseless deaths. Let’s keep sharing the history, folks.

Kudos to Cho for this first middle grade novel and to co-writer Sarah Suk (who has some good work forthcoming herself).

This middle grades book takes places in 1992 in LA during the Rodney King riots. Jordan is a Korean kid who feels like he can never live up to his dad's expectations. However, he still loves his dad, and is worried about him after his dad leaves to go board up their shop. Jordan sets out with his friend Mike to go help his dad.

This book is great. It deals with racism and so many important issues so well. I found it easy to read, and the characters had great growth. Definitely recommend!!

I was skeptical of a middle grade novel with a 12 year old hiding a gun. I did really enjoy the story, especially the pieces that can be understood across time (this being historical) of family expectations and finding your voice to communicate your needs and interests. The inclusion of the LA Riots surrounding the Rodney King verdict is also a fantastic tie in for kids interested in social justice, human rights, and protests, especially current knowledge about BLM and standing with the AAPI community. It is also very fast paced, taking place over just the first day of the riots. I would recommend it to slightly older readers in grades 5 or 6 though 9 and I appreciate the inclusion of information about gun safety and emergency safety as well.