Troublemaker, John Cho
Troublemaker, John Cho
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Troublemaker

Author: John Cho

Narrator: John Cho

Unabridged: 4 hr 46 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 03/22/2022

Synopsis

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.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Nursebookie on June 12, 2022

Troublemaker By John Cho I was a young girl when the LA Riot in 1992 took place over six days, and my parents’ small restaurant in Los Angeles was destroyed by the widespread looting that occurred. Reading Troublemaker By John Cho was important to me, and reading the book through the lens of Jordan Pa......more

Goodreads review by Eileen on August 17, 2022

4.5 stars This was not quite what I was expecting. I knew it had to do with the Rodney King Riots in LA and the title definitely made me think of John Lewis' "good trouble". However, as I started the book, I didn't feel all that bad for Jordan because he really did make poor choices. The whole story......more

Goodreads review by Paige on March 19, 2022

Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own. Book: Troublemaker Author: John Cho Book Series: Standalone Rating: 5/5 Diversity: Korean MC and characters, Black side characters Recommended For...: middle grade readers, historical fiction, LA riots, police brutality......more

Goodreads review by Mbgirl on May 31, 2022

Yes, Jordan is true “good bad”. Glad I got to know Cho better through the things he worked out in penning his first novel. Easy read— easy way to introduce younger kids to race relations, to discrimination of Asians against Blacks, and racism in general, through the lens of the ‘92 LA Riots. That docu......more

Goodreads review by Sam on July 20, 2022

This is something that I typically would have never picked up to read but I borrowed it on a whim only to find that it is THE John Cho who is the author. I'm pretty unfamiliar with the LA riots. I knew they happened, I saw the photos of the damage, but I was severely unaware of the unjust events tha......more

Quotes

“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

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