John Cho’s Troublemaker delivers a gripping, heartfelt look at the 1992 LA Riots through the eyes of a 12-year-old Korean American boy. Written with accessible language and deep emotional resonance, it explores themes of racial injustice, family expectations, and personal growth. A must-have 5-star addition to middle school libraries that perfectly bridges historical fiction with essential conversations about empathy, equity, and community resilience.