Troublemaker

In a gripping work of historical fiction set in 1992 Los Angeles, actor Cho’s debut, written with Suk (Made in Korea), centers Korean American sixth grader Jordan Park. Though his parents are worried about the family’s finances, and Jordan hopes to redeem himself to his Appa after an argument, he must instead break the news of his cheating-related school suspension. When Jordan sees reports of unrest on television after Appa heads out to board up the family’s liquor store, the teen seeks to prove himself. He takes the gun kept in the family closet—and forbidden to Jordan—to the store for Appa’s protection. The authors keep the pacing swift while interweaving the night’s events with glimpses of narrator Jordan’s grappling with his recent difficulties at school, contentious relationship with his seemingly perfect older sister, and growing awareness of his Afro-Korean neighborhood’s dynamics following the murder of 15-year-old Latasha Harlins by a Korean shopkeeper and the acquittal of the officers who brutalized Rodney King. Exploring a significant historical event, the authors create an accessible yet emotionally complex read. An author’s note connects the novel’s historical events with recent violence and protests. Ages 8–12. Agent: Albert Lee, United Talent. (Mar.)