Don;'t Cause Trouble, written and illustrated by Arree Chung.Henry Holt and Company, Macmillan. Raincoast. 2025. $19.99 ages9 and up

 

"I'm tired of shopping at the thrift store.
I'm tired of not fitting in. And we don't 
have enough money. 

Never steal. You ask Ma-ma, Ba-ba for 
money.

But, Mom. We can't afford it! You and
Dad don't even have enough to send to 
Uncle ... or to give to the church. 

Plus, I'm making my own money."

Ming is looking for a fresh start in middle school. That is until his mother gives him the usual 'bowl' haircut that he hates. The clothes he wears come from a thrift shop (preferably 50% off). His immigrant parents are Chinese-speaking, and have great difficulty understanding why their son wants to be like all the other kids. His dad expects Ming to get grades that will assure his attendance at Stanford; both parents want him not to cause any trouble. 

Their dreams for their son are far different from what Ming wants for himself. When he is placed in an ESL class, while speaking perfect English, he is thankful that it should get him a great grade. Ming loves to draw more than anything else, and he is anxious to play basketball wearing brand new Air Elevates. Those shoes he will have to earn on his own. 

The realization that Ming should not be in ESL leads to his transfer to Honors English and new friends, Vikrum and Marcus. Finally, he has someone to be with him in times that don't necessarily meet his parents' expectations for staying out of trouble. Through basketball problems, Halloween hijinks, and a crush, the three are there for each other. A real test of their friendship comes when someone steals Ming's shoe money. Ming convinces his friends to support in a crazy shoplifting scheme. Might it be the end of their friendship? There is a lot for Ming to learn about his family and friends, and about being himself.   

Arree Chung writes about his own life in a graphic novel that touches on many issues familiar to middles schoolers. The artwork adds depth and emotion to every part of his life, showing those moments and characters that are sure to engage readers and perhaps provide a mirror to their own lives. 

An added bonus for those readers wanting to draw their own stories, Mr. Chung includes endnotes about writing and making the art for a graphic novel.