The racism in this book is apalling and makes for a great discussion with kids - for both blatant racism and more subtle racism, like what goes on in the school in this story. The anguished question from the Father in this story about whether his dead son would have become a good man is also a thought provoking discussion point - especially for older teens.
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Trouble
(2008, Fiction - Family Life, Written by Gary Schmidt)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 12. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Scattered but moving road trip to redemption.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 12–14
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Trouble
Parents need to know that the central event is a gruesome accident in which a boy's arm is torn off, and from which he eventually dies. A central theme is virulent and sometimes violent racism between whites and Cambodians.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the racism on both sides of the divide. Why do so many of the townspeople hate the Cambodian refugees? Why is Chay's father so vehemently opposed to Chay dating a white girl and reading Keats? Why do people commit the violent acts portrayed here?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
A really great book for discussing racism
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