Parents' Guide to

Troublemaker

By Mary Eisenhart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Funny, harrowing, heartfelt tale of kid in '92 L.A. riots.

Book John Cho Coming of Age 2022
Book cover of Troublemaker by John Cho

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What's the Story?

It's April 29, 1992, and shaping up to be a really bad day for 12-year-old Korean American Jordan, who's just gotten suspended for cheating, the latest episode in his TROUBLEMAKER career. Los Angeles is about to erupt in days of rioting in the wake of the acquittal of four White police officers who severely beat Black motorist Rodney King. Jordan's father, with whom he had a huge falling out weeks earlier, has gone to protect the family's liquor store from rioters, and Jordan, rarely the best decision maker, decides to make things right by bringing his father a gun for protection. Jordan can't read a map and has no idea how to get there, but soon he and his delinquent friend Mike (whose stolen cash is part of the plot) are off on a quest in which they regularly make poor choices but also receive much-needed help and wisdom from adult characters as they navigate the burning city. Along the way, those characters give them a lot of insights into the injustice, discrimination, and plain old mean behavior that led to the current violence.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

John Cho's tale of a 12-year-old Korean kid in Los Angeles as the 1992 riots unfold offers a kid's-eye view of the racism, violence, and plain old meanness underlying the upheaval. Troublemaker Jordan, abetted by his BFF Mike, makes a lot of breathtakingly poor choices as he decides to mend his fractured relationship with his dad by bringing him a gun (unloaded) to protect the family store from rioters, but older and wiser characters intervene at the right moment, sharing their experiences and wisdom. Friendship and family finally carry the day, but there are some bumps and rifts along the way -- most of which end up making Jordan and Mike kinder, more empathetic kids as they learn what life's like for other people.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about stories of immigrant families where the children, growing up in a new country, don't see things the same way as their parents -- as Jordan and his parents are often at odds in Troublemaker. What other stories do you know that deal with this theme? How do you like the way Troublemaker shows these issues?

  • Do you think it's OK to take out your anger on someone who's done you wrong by doing wrong to another person who's done nothing? Why, or why not?

  • Church is a big part of the Korean American community that includes Jordan's family, both for religious guidance and for social gathering and connection. What kind of communities gather around religious belief where you live? What do you know about them?

Book Details

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