With things already tense in the aftermath of an argument with Appa, sixth-grader Jordan isn’t eager to share the news of his school suspension for cheating. But he gets home to news that the Rodney King verdict has triggered public protests and riots in Los Angeles. Concerned that their family-owned liquor store will be targeted by rioters, Appa has gone to board up the shop. When Appa doesn’t call home as promised, Jordan, Korean American, decides to sneak out of the house in order to deliver his father’s gun to Appa for protection. After wrangling a ride from his friend Mike’s older brother, Jordan’s journey is quickly derailed and soon he and Mike are wandering the city alone. Jordan encounters unexpected obstacles and unexpected help as he in his quest to reach the family’s store. An honest conversation with Appa when Jordan finally makes it there not only reveals that Appa intentionally left the gun at home, but that he moved the family to the United States so that his kids could have more opportunities and now, considering the racism around them, he wonders whether he made the right choice. The author notes he was inspired to write this novel by trying to talk to his children about the murder of George Floyd, by the anti-Asian violence of 2020, and in remembering how the Rodney King police beating and the murder of Latasha Harlins impacted his own life as an 18-year-old in 1991. (Ages 10-13)

An instant New York Times bestseller!
An Indiebound bestseller!
An Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Honor Book!

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.