Troublemaker

by John Cho

Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

With the events of the 1992 LA Riots unfolding around him, 12-year-old Jordan decides to take matters into his own hands when he follows his strict father to check on the family store. This action-packed yet thought-provoking story told from the perspective of a young Korean American boy shines light on a life-changing event in the not-too-distant past.

An instant New York Times bestseller!
An Indiebound bestseller!
An Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Honor Book!

Troublemaker follows the events of the LA Riots through the eyes of 12-year-old Jordan as he navigates school and family. This book will highlight the unique Korean American perspective.

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780759554450
Publisher:	Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date:	03/22/2022
Sold by:	Hachette Digital, Inc.
Format:	eBook
Sales rank:	899,400
File size:	1 MB
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

John Cho is known as Harold from Harold & Kumar, Hikaru Sulu from J.J. Abrams’s Star Trek, or as the star of the highly anticipated live-action Netflix series, Cowboy Bebop, based on the worldwide cult anime phenomenon (news of which “broke the Internet,” to quote Vanity Fair).  John is also a former 7th-grade English teacher who grew up as a Korean immigrant kid in Texas and East L.A. (among many other places). He is also now a proud father, with his Japanese-American wife Kerri, of two beautiful children — a 9-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old boy — who love to read.

 

Editorial Reviews

A heartfelt, insightful book exploring the bond between father and son who deepen their relationship while navigating social justice, police bias, Korean American identity, and the trauma of the L.A. riots.—Jewell Parker Rhodes, bestselling author of Ghost Boys and Paradise on Fire

"An action-packed story about mistakes, redemption, and real-life danger. I couldn't put this book down!"—Alan Gratz, New York Times bestselling author of Ground Zero and Refugee

“Complex family dynamics are at the heart of this compelling fast-paced debut novel. John Cho's highly personal Korean American perspective of the LA Riots combine harsh realities, racial tension, and ultimately hope."—Lisa Yee, author of Maizy Chen's Last Chance

“A compelling story in a vivid setting that has not been explored enough in books for young readers. Jordan is a genuine, flawed character so real you can't help rooting for him. Deep appreciation to authors John Cho and Sarah Suk for writing this much-needed book.”—Linda Sue Park, Newbery Medalist and NYTimes bestselling author

“An action-packed adventure that will not only quicken your pulse but make you think deeply about friendship, family, and justice.” —Nicola Yoon, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Sun Is Also A Star and Instructions for Dancing

“Fast-paced yet thoughtful and profound, TROUBLEMAKER revisits the fires of the past to shine light and wisdom for a better future.” —David Yoon, New York Times bestselling author of Frankly In Love

“At its core, Troublemaker is a deeply moving story of redemption between a 12-year-old Korean American rebellious son and his strict storeowner father, set against the prescient backdrop of a riveting and suspenseful journey into the heart of 1992 Los Angeles’ Koreatown on the first night of what would become one of our country’s most iconic movements of civil unrest.”—Paula Yoo, award-winning author of From a Whisper to a Rallying Cry: The Killing of Vincent Chin and the Trial that Galvanized the Asian American Movement

"Equal parts suspenseful and emotionally insightful."—Kirkus

"...an accessible yet emotionally complex read."—Publishers Weekly

"...will leave readers breathless with anticipation."—School Library Journal

*"This debut middle-grade novel by Cho, well known for his acting work, achieves a complexity of theme that is welcome for this audience. It’s an important, even profound, story, yet related with a light touch. Jordan’s journey will have readers following right alongside him as he navigates the vicissitudes of his moment in history and his place in a family."—Horn Book, starred review

" Readers drawn to action will revel in close calls and high emotions generated by Jordan's conflicts with family and friends."—Booklist

From the Publisher

04/01/2022

Gr 5 Up—It is 1992, and the Rodney King verdict has just been returned. Riots explode across L.A. Told from Jordan's middle school Korean American perspective, the book delves into issues like the challenges faced by immigrant families, systemic racism, and a flawed justice system. Jordan has been in some trouble at school, and he and his father are not speaking. His father leaves his gun behind when he goes out to board up their family's store, so Jordan decides to take it to him for protection. He and his friend Mike head out into Koreatown with different agendas; Mike wants to retrieve something from his family's restaurant, and Jordan is determined to keep his father safe. Jordan and Mike are often in trouble, but, luckily, the gun stays in its case in his backpack. Some strengths of this novel are Jordan's close family and his relationship with his older sister Sarah. She may be successful in school, but she has her secrets, too. Despite disagreements, it is clear that the family cares for one another. This is a good middle grade historical fiction. Its main character is relatable, and the fast pace keeps readers engaged. Some young readers may not understand the trials of trying to find a pay phone, but as Cho's author's note points out, many of the conflicts in 1992 are still relevant today. VERDICT A strong purchase for libraries with readers who enjoy recent historical books or have an interest in racial justice.—Claire Covington

School Library Journal

John Cho narrates his middle-grade novel set amid the 1992 Los Angeles riots. News footage of the riots prompts sixth-grader Jordan to make a precarious trek through Koreatown and the outskirts of the riots. Determined to help his father protect the family’s South Central store, he encounters perilous misadventures along the way. Cho has a pleasing voice and steady cadence, both traits appealing to an adult listener; however, his mostly impassive delivery is better suited to recount the coming-of-age story to an older audience than to the much younger one it is written for. Little to no distinction among characters further keeps young listeners from engaging with the story. Adults will appreciate the production. A.L.S.M. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine

MARCH 2022 - AudioFile

John Cho narrates his middle-grade novel set amid the 1992 Los Angeles riots. News footage of the riots prompts sixth-grader Jordan to make a precarious trek through Koreatown and the outskirts of the riots. Determined to help his father protect the family’s South Central store, he encounters perilous misadventures along the way. Cho has a pleasing voice and steady cadence, both traits appealing to an adult listener; however, his mostly impassive delivery is better suited to recount the coming-of-age story to an older audience than to the much younger one it is written for. Little to no distinction among characters further keeps young listeners from engaging with the story. Adults will appreciate the production. A.L.S.M. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine

MARCH 2022 - AudioFile

2022-03-02
Noted actor Cho and co-author Suk share the journey of a Korean American sixth grader struggling with feeling inadequate.

It’s 1992 in Glendale, California, and Jordan’s life is coming apart: He’s been suspended from school for cheating. He’s banned from seeing Mike, his impulsive church friend. Sarah, his adored older sister, is always busy—and so perfect that he looks even more disappointing by comparison. Appa and Umma, burdened with financial worries, are constantly working at their liquor store. Jordan’s family immigrated 9 years earlier, but the bright American future they sacrificed so much for seems questionable. Now people are erupting in protest over the unjust Rodney King verdict and tragic killing of Latasha Harlins by a Korean shop owner. Driven by deep emotional pain and a desire to prove himself to Appa, Jordan sneaks out with Mike—and the gun his father’s forbidden him to touch. As violence spreads toward Koreatown, he tries to deliver it as protection for Appa, who’s boarding up the store. This ill-conceived plan goes awry, and during the fraught evening the boys learn about integrity, bias, and more. The realistically middle-grade voice, strong characterization, and well-paced storyline show the growth of a boy who is moving from limited awareness to a mature perspective on his place in his family and broader community. The novel weaves together large-scale issues of social injustice and interracial barriers with the intimate pain—and joy—of personal relationships.

Equal parts suspenseful and emotionally insightful. (author’s note) (Fiction. 9-13)

Kirkus Reviews