The Trouble Begins

by Linda Himelblau

Du Nguyen is finally home. Except he’s never even met his family. And home is an ocean away from everything he’s ever known. Du’s mother, father, brother, and two sisters immigrated to California when he was just a baby. Du and his grandmother had to stay behind in the Philippines.
But now, 10 years later, Du has finally joined his family. And the trouble begins.
What’s so great about this place, anyway? Du wonders. Kids at school call him Doo-doo, and it’s hard to muster a good comeback when he can’t think of the right words in English.
Only his grandmother understands who Du really is. “You are a dragon,” she says. But for Du to feel like a dragon, he must untangle the trouble he finds himself in and call upon the strength he knows he’s always carried inside.

Genres: Childrens

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was given to me to share with my class by my mother's friend, and I just finally had a chance to read it. I loved it, and can't wait to read it with my class. It is about a little boy (5th grade) who comes to America to be with his family. It describes the struggles the little boy goes through while adjusting to life in America. It is eye opening as a teacher to think about what kids are going through in their private lives that we have NO idea about. This is a great book to give to any child, but especially one who has a lot of diversity in his or her school, to help really understand what other kids are going through. Would definitely recommend this book.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Linda Himelblau guides the reader through Du’s reluctant entry into American life by narrating the story through his perspective. Her carefully constructed account of Du’s intentions and perceptions helps the reader to see the logic to his actions and understand how even his antisocial actions can make sense. She adds further validity to Du’s actions by also developing the characters of his family and community, showing how people can grow and influence one another. Information on Himelblau on the book flap indicates that her background for the book came from years of working as a teacher in southern California with a diverse array of children from different countries. The gradual pace of her plot development indicates an understanding of what happens as children immigrate into American society and must slowly assimilate. Additionally, Himelblau’s rich characterization of Du appears to be the result of years of keen observations and a true respect for the talents child immigrants bring with them. The Trouble Begins is an engaging account of a challenging first year of assimilation for a smart, independent young boy. The book provides substantial insight into the challenges faced by numerous Vietnamese families who have restarted their life in America.

[Carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

once again, i was reading this book in search of a multicultural title for next year’s booklist for the library. it’s the story of du who is vietnamese but who has lived in the philippines with his grandmother for all eight years of his life until they can move to the united states to join the rest of his family (he and grandma both had t.b. before). this book covers the first few months of his move and adjustment to life in the u.s. it’s an interesting insight into his thoughts and the mistakes he makes and the way he relates to his family (that he’s never really known). it was written by a teacher and it is apparent that she has taught many students like du. overall, a good story with some great insight.

[J.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was pretty good but sometimes I got lost in the narrative, wondering what the character had just done. I felt like there were chunks of text missing. But otherwise, it was really interesting to read about a young Vietnamese boy's transition to life in America.

[Rhiannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's about a Vietnamese kid, named Du, who had tuberculosis and went to the Philippines to get better. Afterwards, he moved to America with his grandmother to join his family. In this book, he tries to find out his true identity.