Las Cucarachas

Peter Kim is navigating a sweltering summer in 1980s Queens, New York. His world is a minefield of neighborhood bullies, a burglarized apartment, and the unexpected responsibility of babysitting his younger brother. Driven by the teasing of his friends, the Warriors, Peter launches an amateur investigation into his stolen property that forces him to confront the complexities of his urban community. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book approaches poverty, gang culture, and racial dynamics with a secular, direct, and often cynical lens. The resolution is realistic rather than purely optimistic, reflecting the survivalist mentality of the setting. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with a heavy sense of frustration and isolation. It builds tension through the mystery and the threat of violence, eventually leveling out into a hard won sense of self reliance and a slightly more mature understanding of community. IDEAL READER: A 14 or 15 year old who feels like they are outgrowing their childhood interests but doesn't quite fit into the 'cool' crowd, or a teen navigating the pressures of being a child of immigrants in a high stakes environment. PARENT TRIGGER: Seeing Peter being bullied or feeling the palpable stress of the family's financial and physical insecurity might be difficult for parents. PARENT PREP: Parents should be aware of 1980s era street language and the gritty descriptions of New York City during that period. It is helpful to discuss the historical context of the Atari era and the specific challenges faced by immigrant families at that time. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger teens will focus on the mystery and the sibling dynamics, while older teens will better grasp the systemic pressures and the nuanced exploration of Peter's shifting identity. DIFFERENTIATOR: Unlike many sanitized coming of age stories, this book captures a specific, unvarnished Korean American urban experience that refuses to sugarcoat the realities of 80s street life.