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Returnable Yes
Resolutions Eligible for refund or replacement
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John Cho
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Troublemaker Paperback – March 7, 2023

by John Cho (Author)
Editors' pick Best Books Ages 9-12
See all formats and editions
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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.

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  1. Reading age
    8 - 12 years
  2. Print length
    224 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    3 - 7
  5. Dimensions
    5.2 x 0.9 x 7.6 inches
  6. Publisher
    Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
  7. Publication date
    March 7, 2023
  8. ISBN-10
    0759554463
  9. ISBN-13
    978-0759554467
  10. See all details
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From the Publisher

TROUBLEMAKER | History lives in us. | The powerful middle grade debut from actor John Cho

"A heartfelt, insightful book exploring the bond between father and son." --Jewell Parker Rhodes

"An action-packed story about mistakes, redemption, and real-life danger." --Alan Gratz

"A compelling fast-paced debut novel." --Lisa Yee

"A story in a vivid setting that has not been explored enough in books for kids." --Linda Sue Park

John Cho's TROUBLEMAKER is an insightful, thought-provoking story for today's young readers.

Follow the events of the LA Riots through the eyes of 12-year-old Jordan as he navigates school and family, highlighting the unique Korean American perspective.

"Will not only quicken your pulse but make you think deeply." --Nicola Yoon

"Fast-paced yet thoughtful and profound." --David Yoon

"Deeply moving. A riveting and suspenseful journey." --Paula Yoo

Editorial Reviews

Review

“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

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.

 

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; Reprint edition (March 7, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0759554463
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0759554467
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 12 years
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.2 x 0.9 x 7.6 inches
  • Customer Reviews:

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John Cho

John Cho

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
185 global ratings
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5 out of 5 stars
Read it from start to finish
Troublemaker is engaging, humorous, and does a fantastic job in putting the audience in the main character's shoes. Throughout reading this novel, I can identify with the main character and the roller coaster of emotions that he was going through which had me hooked to every word, sentence, and chapter from start to finish. Definitely 10/10 and would highly recommend.
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Top reviews from the United States

Thomnla
5.0 out of 5 stars A Fascinating Perspective
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2022
Verified Purchase
Having lived in Los Angeles for many years that included the riots covered in Troublemaker, it was interesting to experience this piece of L.A. history through the fictional eyes of a pre-teen youngster. In my view, the author accurately establishes the background to the storyline. I’m neither Korean nor a resident of the the neighborhoods directly impacted by the riots, yet I do recall how abandoned the Korean community felt during the days of this upheaval. The one reservation I have about the storyline - one influenced by my background as former professor of child development - is that I felt 12 year old Jordan would have been better suited to be a teenager rather than a middle schooler.
3 people found this helpful
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Ruthy V.
5.0 out of 5 stars Read it from start to finish
Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2023
Verified Purchase
Troublemaker is engaging, humorous, and does a fantastic job in putting the audience in the main character's shoes. Throughout reading this novel, I can identify with the main character and the roller coaster of emotions that he was going through which had me hooked to every word, sentence, and chapter from start to finish. Definitely 10/10 and would highly recommend.
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Ruthy V.
5.0 out of 5 stars Read it from start to finish
Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2023
Troublemaker is engaging, humorous, and does a fantastic job in putting the audience in the main character's shoes. Throughout reading this novel, I can identify with the main character and the roller coaster of emotions that he was going through which had me hooked to every word, sentence, and chapter from start to finish. Definitely 10/10 and would highly recommend.
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Shabadoo805
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read for Adults too!
Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2022
Verified Purchase
I found this book from Watching Tiger Belly! I was already a fan of John Cho but I didnt know he had written a book. He talked about it on the TigerBelly podcast and I preordered this right away. It's a great read for young and older folks.
3 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read with a fresh perspective
Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2022
Verified Purchase
This is a fun, adventure packed book perfect for teens and young adult readers. It covers an important and historic time in LA from the perspective of a young Korean American boy learning the meaning of family and community.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read with a fresh perspective
Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2022
This is a fun, adventure packed book perfect for teens and young adult readers. It covers an important and historic time in LA from the perspective of a young Korean American boy learning the meaning of family and community.
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3 people found this helpful
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Careful Shoe Buyer
5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging story
Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2022
Verified Purchase
This is an excellent novel for middle-school students. The story is about miscommunication between a son and his father. It gives the reader a sense about a Korean American family. It challenges the "model minority myth."
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frankly fifty
5.0 out of 5 stars An adventure
Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2022
Verified Purchase
This book was an easy read and faced paced. I enjoyed it as it gave a different perspective of the riots in LA after the Rodney King beatings. Definately an eye opener.
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MargeR
3.0 out of 5 stars fun reading
Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2023
It was fun to read this book and see his perspective on the LA Riots. Wish there was more descriptive details (like streets, places, etc).. also more of a kid perspective..
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Dany Koe
5.0 out of 5 stars Quick, exciting read.
Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2022
Verified Purchase
This was a good first book by John Cho. He was able to work in historical facts and his heritage into the book. It was an easy read.
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