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Don't Cause Trouble by Arree Chung

Don't Cause Trouble

Arree Chung

Henry Holt and Co. · Paperback · April 22, 2025

Twelve-year-old Ming Lee hopes middle school will be the fresh start he needs.

FriendshipSchool StoriesAsian American & Pacific Islander Comicsmiddle
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schoolgraphic
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Who it’s for
Middle-school embarrassment meets the tender, funny work of trying to belong.
Themes
Belonging, Family expectations, School misplacement
Genres
Asian American & Pacific Islander Comics, School Stories, Friendship

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About this book

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. Things only get worse when he’s placed in an ESL class despite English being his first (and only) language. The journey ahead is full of awkward, painful, and downright embarrassing moments.

Continue reading

Ming’s dad always tells him, “Get good grades! Don’t cause trouble!” But with two new friends by his side, and a few tricks up his sleeve, Ming is determined to make some changes. Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Jerry Craft, Don’t Cause Trouble is a funny, warmhearted graphic novel that will resonate with readers who are looking for a place to belong.

Awkward, Warm, Real

Middle-school embarrassment meets the tender, funny work of trying to belong.

Come here for

  • A young outsider’s sharp, familiar school-day frustrations
  • Friendship and humor alongside painful moments

Expect

  • An accessible graphic novel about belonging
  • A warmhearted tone that makes room for awkwardness

Where it sits

Asian American & Pacific Islander Comics75%
Friendship63%
School Stories50%

Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.

Publisher categories

  • Asian American & Pacific Islander Comics
  • Self-Esteem & Resilience
Authors
Arree Chung
Publisher
Henry Holt and Co.
Published
April 22, 2025
Format
Paperback
Theme
Belonging · Family expectations · School misplacement
Reading lane
Asian American & Pacific Islander Comics