Thank you Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Henry Holt and Co. BYR Paperbacks, and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this book. This is a fictional graphic memoir based on the author’s life as a child of Chinese American immigrants. It’s a great, highly relatable coming of age story with authentic middle school feel and themes of self discovery, friendship, and acceptance. Definitely recommend.

Ming Lee is the child of immigrants from China, and has trouble navigating school because of the differences in his upbringing, including the fact that his parents are so competitive about saving money that his mother cuts his hair at home. He has to deal with a lot of negative comments at school, but when middle school starts, does make two good friends, Vikrum and Marcus. While Ming's concerns center around things like saving up for Air Elevate shoes. His parents, however, are dealing with bigger issues, like the father's long lost brother contacting the family and needing money. The mother, who trained as a nurse but can only find work cleaning, is a devout church goer, and insists it is better to give money to the church, believing that "God will provide". Even though his parents are insistent that he concentrate on his school work, Ming manages to talk them in to letter him have a sleepover with his friends, and to go trick or treating on Halloween. He gets a lot of candy, and tries to sell some of it to classmates in order to earn money for the shoes he wants. Motivated by a shirt that he sees advertised that all of his classmates are wearing, Ming comes up with a plan to steal three of them from the mall. This lands him, as well as Vikrum and Marcus, in very big trouble, and his friendships are in jeopardy. He and his mother start a small business selling egg rolls that is surprisingly successful, and he also helps her clean as a way to apologize for his brief foray into criminal activities. His friends are eventually allowed to hang out with him again, and Ming starts to feel confident enough that he plans to try out for the school basketball team.
Strengths: Visually, this was a bit different from other graphic novels I've read, which was a nice change. Raina Telgemaier is great, but this doesn't mean that every graphic novel has to look like her work. It was interesting to see typical tween activity through the lens of Ming's parents, who weren't entirely sold on activities like Halloween or sleepovers. The brief discussion of shoplifting was interesting, and is a topic rarely discussed in middle grade literature, although I'm sure occurs more often than we realize. Ming's positive attitude and efforts to try to better his own situation were good to see.
Weaknesses: I couldn't quite tell when this was set; Ming's plaid pants and striped t shirt made me think it was set in the 1970s, when this was a frequent, if questionable, sartorial choice, but it seemed more like the 1990s. I'm still not understanding the hatred for thrift stores; I haven't really shopped anywhere else for thirty years.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like graphic novel style memoirs (although this is a fictionalized account) about the immigrant experience like LaMotte and Ann Xu's Measuring Up, Ray Xu's Alterations or Martin's MexiKid.

An interesting graphic novel inspired by the author’s life and experiences. Don’t Cause Trouble tackles the good, bad, and awkward parts of middle school. Throughout the story, Ming navigates family/cultural expectations as well as those of his peers. I think kids will relate to Ming’s desire to belong while staying true to oneself.

Ming is a Chinese American boy who has to handle middle school and all that comes with it while navigating how hard his family dynamic is. I really enjoyed the dynamic with his friends, finding them, becoming besties, and learning the difficulties of being a young person who is different than everyone else. I really enjoyed his story overall and how it ended. Him finding positivity in the things he didn't used to - like thrift stores and not needing the ugly shirts the cool kids are wearing - was a delightful end.

Thank you NetGalley and McMillan Children’s for an advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review. 4.5 ⭐️ I absolutely loved this graphic novel and the realistic pressures and family dynamics portrayed therein. I think this book would be relatable to so many kids while also presenting a unique cultural lens that was really valuable to see represented. Great graphic novel for middle grade readers.

I really enjoyed this book. I love to see how some kids realize that being "popular" isn't important, but being yourself is important. This book is a graphic novel that shows not everyone is happy with themselves. Even the "popular" kids may not feel "popular." I think this book would be great for grades 4-6. I also liked how parents try their hardest to save money and do the best they can to raise children, even if they come from another country or another part of town. The title and cover of the book will attract children.

Kids are going to love Don't Cause Trouble! Another great graphic novel for students to relate to! They'll be laughing out loud while reading this one!

I’m so glad I was approved to read this from Netgalley! I love the artwork and art style in the graphic novel! This was such an amazing story and shows a lot of cultural diversity. I feel this is an important read and should be something to keep in mind day to day. I loved all of the characters and the happy moments as well as the sad. Highly recommend this book!
Thank you for allowing me to read this!
Reviews have been posted on Instagram & Goodreads as of 11/21/2024!

A fun graphic novel about the daily life and challenges of a middle grader growing up in a Chinese-American family. A must read for those who needs to grow empathy and understanding of other cultures. I enjoyed meeting Ming and his family so much that I wanted more. Perfect for all ages!

Don’t Cause Trouble follows Ming, a kid just trying to fit in at a new school and make friends. As usually there are a few bumps along the way. Ming's life isn't made easy as his well-meaning mother insists on giving him the same stereotypical bowl haircut every year, and his wardrobe comes straight from the discount thrift shop. And to add insult to injury Ming ends up placed in an ESL class, despite only knowing and speaking English.
His parents ever optimistic try to give him advice and drill home that getting good grades and not causing trouble is the only way to have get into a good college and have a fulfilling life. However this is harder to put into practice. Ming is occasionally daydreams of being 'other' and expresses himself through his sketches. But with his two new friends who are also misfits in their own way, Ming decides it's time to bend the rules a bit and find his own way. Together, they take on bullies and take advantage of every opportunity to make money.

Don’t Cause Trouble is a funny, warmhearted graphic novel, that effortlessly tackles hard topics such as immigration and bullying and shows readers that it takes courage to be yourself and find worthwhile friends. Perfect for anyone who’s ever felt a little out of place, Ming’s journey is as relatable as it is entertaining.

This is a great coming of age story with lessons about friendship, hard work, acceptance (of others and yourself), and mistakes. Loved the artwork. Family dynamics for all cultures can be difficult and Chung handles them well. Definitely recommend. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC

Middle grade graphic novel about a Chinese-American boy who feels isolated and alien (his words) in his American, primarily white community. By making BIPOC friends and reconnecting with his Christian faith, the MC is able to find ways to bridge the gap between his authentic self and the expectations of his immigrant parents. While the story is set in middle school, the language and story are appropriate down to about 3rd or 4th grade.

I have to say I really enjoyed this book. The story is relatable, told in a humorous way and really engaging for kids. I honestly cannot wait for it to be published so that I can buy it for my class.

Chung's Don't Cause Trouble is a graphic novel geared toward 4 - 6th grade and beyond. It is about a child of Chinese immigrants who goes through the typical child of immigrant growing pains (I should know- I went through them myself) - from the cheap homemade haircuts, to not celebrating holidays as other kids would and having to introduce my friends to my family and our traditions, this book was fun and funny to read.

I would recommend it to kids that are a little older in elementary school or even middle school kids.

This was a really strong graphic novel! I felt like the chapters broke the story up in a very digestible way. I loved how they utilized pinyin alongside the english translations to incorporate mandarin more prominently into the dialogue. I loved the building of friendships and the way the relationships were shown between the MC and parents where the parents had realistic faults, but were still very much there for their child. I also found the author specifically added discussion of the common experiences between minority groups juxtaposed with how different groups still face distinct discrimination concerns. I'm interested in reading more of this author's work and would definitely recommend this for anyone looking for middle grade reads.

**Thank you NetGalley and Macmillian Children's Publishing Group for a copy of this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review***

This was such a cute story! I loved following Ming's journey through navigating the world of middle school. Adding in the friends who feel similar to him was also extra special. This is such a fun little story for kids who might be trying to navigate the same kind of situation as Ming. I also think this story be relatable to a lot of kids and not just those who are immigrants. It's a very relatable subject all the way through. The art work was also super cute. It was perfectly aligned with the story and all the characters were clear and concise.

The cover of Don’t Cause Trouble perfectly sets the stage for this memoir in graphic novel style.

Twelve-year-old Ming Lee is beginning middle school and is ready for and NEEDS a fresh start.

All kids start the new school year with a fresh new haircut and new school clothes. Alas once again his mother, in her old school ways cuts Ming’s hair as if he’d had it syled under the rim of a cereal bowl. And his clothes are new, but only new to him. Rather mom shops at thrift stores seeking out clothes with red dot sales stickers.

Things only get worse as school begins and he’s placed in an ESL class despite English being his first (and only) language. You see Ming was born in the United States and his parents never even wanted him speaking the native language. This way they can talk in front of Ming without him knowing what they are saying. Therefore his middle school journey is filled with awkward, painful, and downright embarrassing moments.

Ming’s dad’s mantra is…. “Get good grades! Don’t cause trouble!” Ming a quite likeable boy makes new friends and yes they do get into situations, despite dad’s repeated phrase, don’t cause trouble!

Arrest Chung’s is a funny, warmhearted graphic novel that will resonate with readers and sends the message that even though growing up isn’t easy, it’s ok to be yourself..

The illustrations are bright and inviting, putting readers in the middle of middle school life.

Don't Cause Trouble is a delightful graphic memoir for the middle grade crowd! The illustrations are very cute, and I felt like the author did a great job putting you into the mind of middle school kid. This is definitely a perfect one to pick up if you loved Jerry Craft's work!

Thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan, and Arree Chung for the chance to read and review. My opinions are my own!

"Don't Cause Trouble" is a middle grade graphic novel by Arree Chung. Ming Lee is starting middle school and needs something to change. He wants to change his haircut (that his mom always cuts); he wants to change his clothes (that are bought secondhand); he wants some friends. Ming's parents are immigrants, but Ming was born in the US. The book starts with Ming making two new friends and things seem to be getting better, but in Ming's quest to change things up, he gets into a lot of trouble. A fun story with a realistic portrayal of middle school. The characters have a lot of depth and readers will want to see how things work out. A recommended purchase for middle grade graphic novel collections.

A great middle grade graphic novel exploring the awkward, lonely, embarrassing years of middle school. Ming has a bad haircut, a financially struggling family, and deep desire to be one of the cool guys. He has his painful ups and downs but friendship, eggrolls and basketball will prevail. Definitely a good one to read again and again.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for this DRC.
#Don’tCauseTrouble #NetGalley

I loved this story and the great illustrations; a really nice graphic novel for anyone navigating the awkwardness of middle school. Ming is an outsider at school for being Chinese, and an outsider at home for being too American, He escapes into his drawings (of space!) and his imagination around aliens (he identifies with the aliens)! As an only child, Ming is embarrassed by his thrift store clothes and the lack of money at home. This gets him into some trouble, but he finds his way in the end. Thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt for the eARC!