Don’t Cause Trouble
Written by Arree Chung
Illustrated by Arree Chung
Published by Henry Holt and Co.
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.
Primary ISBN: 9781250887290
Publication Date: April 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback
Graphic Novel, Age 08 or older
Community Represented: Chinese/Chinese American
Themes: Coming of Age, Cross-Group Friendship, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Identity, Discrimination: Language Ability, Family Relationship: Parents, Format: Graphic Novel, Generation: 1st, Multilingual: Mandarin Featured Words, Own Voices/Lived Experience
Setting: Unspecified
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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