Don't Cause Trouble - by Arree Chung (Hardcover)

About the Book

"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"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

★ "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.

Review Quotes

WINNER: National Council of Teachers of English Charlotte Huck Honor for Outstanding Fiction for Children
A Bank Street Best Book of the Year

"Real life" inspired Chung's graphic novel debut, which uses vibrant, vivacious, full-color panels. His dynamic characters' expressions are particularly affecting, although Mom just might be the title's star player."--Booklist, starred review

"This humorous and heartwarming glimpse into an immigrant family's experiences entertains and educates."--Kirkus

"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

"In this candid graphic novel debut informed by personal experience, Chung utilizes crisp, character-focused artwork that features clever visual cues to smoothly transition between exterior events and interior thoughts"--Publisher's Weekly

"Chung's ability to combine humor and the heart-wrenching experiences of not only teenagers, but teens of immigrants, makes this a graphic novel that will reflect the desire of many readers to fit in and be seen. It also showcases parental sacrifices and acts of love that often go unnoticed by children, as well as the hope that our authentic selves can be accepted and celebrated."--Mochi Magazine

"Filled with episodes revolving around fitting in, encountering microaggressions and outright racism, maintaining religious faith, and grappling with self-acceptance, along with lighter moments, the book captures the ups and downs of middle school..." --The Horn Book

About the Author

Arree Chung is the award winning author of Mixed: A Colorful Story, and many other picture books. Arree believes that everyone is born creative and he loves bringing ideas to life. When he is not making books or building a business, you can find Arree exploring nature or riding his bike in a new city.