 | Don't cause trouble Author: Chung, Arree | |
| Price: $12.29 | ||
Summary:
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. The journey ahead is full of awkward, painful, and downright embarrassing moments. In graphic novel format.
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (03/01/25)
School Library Journal (00/03/25)
Booklist (+) (12/01/25)
The Hornbook (00/07/25)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 03/01/2025 *Starred Review* “Tomorrow is the first day of middle school. I was hoping for a fresh start,” announces 11-year-old Ming Lee. But Mom’s giving him the same old “bowl” haircut and still limiting his wardrobe to thrift store “red-dot sales” items. Mom and Dad—Chinese speaking immigrants via Thailand where they met and married—don’t seem to understand Ming’s desire to just fit in. Dad expects Ming to study hard, get good grades, and go to Stanford. “Don’t cause trouble” is a constant parental refrain. “But I’ve got different dreams,” Ming silently insists. Middle school doesn’t start particularly well when he’s placed in an ESL class, even though English is his only language; “Dad didn’t want me to learn” Chinese, he thinks, but, on the plus side, “At least I’m on my way to an easy A!” What Ming enjoys most, though, is drawing—it’s “never boring”—and (aspirationally) playing basketball (wearing Air Elevates, of course). He eventually jumps from ESL to Honors English and makes good friends, but, alas, doesn’t manage to avoid that dreaded trouble. “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. For wannabe cartoonists, Chung appends an accessible, meticulously detailed “How to Make a Graphic Novel” instructions, complete with well-deserved back pats. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.
