Dickens & Rumi
Cover of TROUBLEMAKER

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TROUBLEMAKER

John Cho

During the L.A. riots of 1992, Jordan, a Korean American boy, follows his father to check on the family store. (Ages 8 to 12)

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? The novel addresses racism, civil unrest, property damage, injury, fear, and family separation in an accessible middle-grade narrative. Emotional themes and historical context suit mature readers around 10 and up. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence3/5
  • Death of a character2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Diverse representation4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

References to the danger of death and the loss of life during the riots.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Minor references to injuries sustained during the chaos, but no graphic or detailed descriptions.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild language reflecting the stress and anger of the characters in a crisis.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Minor references to faith and church life within the Korean American community.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Not a central theme; the focus is on family and historical events.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

High tension and suspense as a child navigates a city in flames and unpredictable, dangerous situations.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

No substance abuse depicted.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Depicts historical civil unrest, including looting, fires, and dangerous confrontations with crowds.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist faces danger, prejudice, and difficult choices while learning that courage involves responsibility rather than reckless action.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages critical thinking about historical events and personal agency.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

Korean American identity and interactions among communities are central, with racism and cross-cultural understanding explored through the story.

Educational value3/5
Why this rating?

Provides significant historical context regarding the 1992 LA riots and the Korean American experience.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Kindness is explored as a choice made even amidst anger and fear.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

It emphasizes family loyalty, resisting prejudice, community responsibility, identity, and making principled choices under pressure.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Characters demonstrate resilience and growth under immense pressure.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in TROUBLEMAKER would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in TROUBLEMAKER, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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