Troublemaker

By: John Cho

Narrated by: John Cho

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.

Critic reviews

“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

Important perspective!

Cho has brought the Rodney King a different vantage point. It is so vital to understand history from more than one perspective. Cho gives this to us in an engaging and sometimes humorous story of an American family dealing confronted by American issues.

Engaging story for all ages

I was just a kid growing up in NJ when the riots happened. LA seemed worlds away. Now fast forward 30 years & yep I’m an Angelena. It behooves me as a Korean-American living in LA to educate myself about the events leading up to & following the riots. In that vein, this book, with its engrossing story & compelling read by John Cho, not only is totally educational while keeping a personal, intimate perspective on big topics, but it’s also a fun listen. Definitely took me back to my own years feeling like a displaced kid in the US. I laughed & cried. We need more stories like this!

A great piece of literature!

This is an authentic and heartfelt work of fiction about a traumatic historical event from a young Korean point of view. I was young when I saw Rodney King beaten with an inch of his life/death on television. It was very traumatic and I remember how my mother was outraged that the police did this but my stepfather was on the side of the police. I quickly got to see who he really was in 2 seconds. My mother told me not to ask about the riots when I was at school. She said it would only cause fights, she was right. I was 12 and felt completely powerless. I was the oldest and had to take care of my brother and sisters and do everything I could to keep the peace within our household during this time. Thank you so much for this wonderful piece of literature! It brought back good and bad memories but also reminded me of the fact that our allies don't always look like us or sound like us but good people do exist in this world.

Troublemaker: A Haunting Reminder of History Repeating Itself

John Cho’s Troublemaker offers a poignant look at the Rodney King riots through the eyes of Jordan, a 12-year-old Korean American boy. Cho’s story is eerily similar to recent events like George Floyd’s death and anti-Asian hate during the pandemic. For those who lived through it, like me, the novel brings back memories of concern for Korean American store owners and the fear of history repeating itself.

Cho’s retelling reminds us that the fight for racial justice is far from over and there is still much work to do. His story, told from a Korean American perspective, shows how important it is to keep sharing these histories so we can learn and grow as a society.

Great read! Enjoyed the perspective

I really enjoyed this story, with a young person's perspective during a very disheartening time in South Central LA after the Rodney King aftermath. Jordan's transition from his home country of Korea to America. And finding his place within his family.

There are some great insights of Korean honor to family and the trouble young people navigate. The story is exciting and fun read as Jordan makes way to his family store near all of the rioting and danger to help his dad. But he learns this help has consequences.

Absolutely a great read!