Don't Cause Trouble

by Arree Chung

A middle-school fresh start with complications

$19.57 USD

~~$32.62 USD~~ $19.57 USD

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Awards & Recognition

Critical praise
Booklist starred review
Starred review; describes the graphic novel as inspired by real life and praises its vibrant, vivacious, full-co...

A middle-school fresh start with complications

Ming Lee begins middle school hoping to leave old embarrassments behind, but his haircut, thrift-store clothes, and placement in an ESL class quickly make him feel out of place. The graphic novel draws on the experience of navigating school as the child of immigrants, grounding Ming’s challenges in both family expectations and everyday encounters at school. His father’s advice to get good grades and avoid trouble sits alongside Ming’s growing determination to make changes, helped by two new friends. Belonging, identity, and the push to speak up shape this story of a young person working out where he fits.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

Middle-grade readers interested in school stories about friendship and belonging
Readers interested in graphic novels about the experiences of children of immigrants
Readers exploring identity and family expectations through a young protagonist

Themes

BelongingImmigrant family experienceSchool and language placementFriendshipFamily expectations

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

★ "Real life" inspired Chung's graphic novel debut, which uses vibrant, vivacious, full-color panels."--Booklist, starred review

"Perfectly capturing the experience of navigating middle school as the child of immigrants, this heartfelt and funny title is a must-have for all middle grade graphic novel collections."--School and Library Journal

Twelve-year-old Ming Lee hopes middle school will be the fresh start he needs.

But stepping into school with the same bowl haircut his mom insists on giving him, and wearing the extra-discounted thrift shop clothes she buys him doesn't quite make for the first day of his dreams. Things only get worse when he's placed in an ESL class despite English being his first (and only) language. The journey ahead is full of awkward, painful, and downright embarrassing moments.

Ming's dad always tells him, "Get good grades! Don't cause trouble!" But with two new friends by his side, and a few tricks up his sleeve, Ming is determined to make some changes.

Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Jerry Craft, Don't Cause Trouble is a funny, warmhearted graphic novel that will resonate with readers who are looking for a place to belong.

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