Review by Frank Plowright

Ming is the child of Chinese immigrants to the USA and just about to begin middle school as Don’t Cause Trouble opens. Despite being young he’s acutely aware of racist attitudes among other children, and a smoothly told opening chapter shows him desperately wanting not to draw attention while the primary concern of his parents is to clothe him as cheaply as possible.

Arree Chung’s storytelling method is understated, smart and effective, honed through working on books for younger readers where clarity is essential, yet based on understanding, never preaching. While some characters used in passing represent ideas, most commonly ignorant racism, there’s an understanding of why all the main characters are the way they are. Ming’s quiet and stern father, for instance, has a tragic background, and it’s easy to understand why his motto becomes the book’s title. The negative aspects of living in the USA are dwarfed by his experiences before leaving China.

Don’t Cause Trouble is separated into short chapters making for easy reading, and in keeping with a policy of clarity, Chung’s art is resolutely simple, with people clearly defined, expressions strong and little to distract from the focus of individual panels.

Ming is initially isolated at school, but rapidly makes friends with Marcus and Vikram, and they exemplify Chung’s subtlety. Each is introduced to the home culture of the others, providing understanding and appreciation of what can be offered beyond their knowledge. By extension the same would apply to white American kids who only know one culture. It’s hoped, though, that there’s no mistaking individual habits for cultural traits. Ming’s mother is incredibly penny-wise, repurposing gifts, only shopping at sale outlets and not even letting Ming keep most of what he’s given at Halloween.

There is a need for money, with family circumstances running in the background as Ming acclimatises to his new school and friends. Everything is so clearly laid out that when Chung introduces another crisis point it’s a real surprise, yet consistent with the attitude any child is likely to have under the circumstances.

Shortly afterwards Chung appears to be leading into the idea that sincere prayers will always see god provide, as Ming’s mother’s commitment to church is shown throughout. However, the easy narrative option is cleverly diverted into a demonstration of true Christian values, in a manner that many who publicly claim adherence to a church could take on board.

Good natured and with a likeable cast, Don’t Cause Trouble entertains while educating almost by osmosis. In concentrating on Ming, a background plot is given short shrift and older readers may want explanations that are never given, but the target audience ought to identify with Ming and his problems.