For the teen feeling overwhelmed by the world or hesitant to speak their truth, this manual equips them to bravely challenge the status quo and make a positive impact.
A parent would reach for this book when their teen is struggling with self-doubt, hesitating to speak up, or feeling powerless in the face of injustice. "Rising Troublemaker" is a non-fiction guide adapted from the author's bestselling adult book, specifically for a teen audience. It's a manual for fighting fear, building confidence, and using one's voice to challenge the status quo for good. Through personal stories, humor, and actionable advice, Luvvie Ajayi Jones tackles themes of bravery, identity, and fairness. It's an excellent choice for any teen, but especially for those who feel different or are passionate about making a positive change in their communities. It empowers them to see that being a troublemaker can be a powerful force for good.
The book deals directly with racism, microaggressions, bullying, and sexism. The approach is secular and unflinchingly direct, framing these as obstacles to be confronted with courage and integrity. The author's personal experiences as a Black woman are central to the discussion of identity. The resolution is consistently hopeful and action-oriented, providing readers with a toolkit for resilience rather than a promise of an easy path.
Ideal Reader
A teen (13-17) who is socially aware but anxious about speaking out. This is for the student who sees injustice in the hallway but hesitates, the quiet activist who needs a boost of courage, or any teen who has been made to feel they are "too much" and needs permission to take up space.
Parent Prep
No specific prep is required; a teen can read this cold. However, parents would benefit from reading it as well. Understanding the author's concepts (like "ori-judgies") can create a shared language for family conversations. It's a fantastic book for a parent and teen to read and discuss together. A parent overhears their teen say, "I wanted to say something, but I was too scared," or "What's the point? No one will listen to me anyway." The parent sees their child's passion for fairness being stifled by social anxiety or peer pressure.
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will likely gravitate towards the chapters on self-confidence, navigating friendships, and speaking up in a classroom setting. An older teen (15-18) will connect more deeply with the advice on leadership, challenging systems, and using their voice for broader social change, seeing its application for college and beyond.
What Makes It Special
Unlike more clinical self-help books, this book's power lies in Luvvie Ajayi Jones's unique voice: it is sharp, hilarious, and unapologetically Black and Nigerian-American. The rebranding of "troublemaker" as a positive identity is sticky and empowering. Its manual-like format with concrete exercises makes the advice feel immediately applicable, not just theoretical.
Read plot summary
This is a young adult adaptation of Luvvie Ajayi Jones's bestselling "Professional Troublemaker." Structured as a "fear-fighter manual," it combines the author's personal anecdotes about growing up Nigerian-American with practical advice and exercises for teens. The book is organized into three sections: BE, SAY, and DO. It guides the reader through building self-worth, learning how to use their voice effectively, and taking action to create positive change, even when it's scary. It's not a narrative story but a direct, conversational guide to personal and social empowerment.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Luvvie talks about her "ori-judgies," the judgmental voices in her head that feed her fear. What are some of your "ori-judgies," and what's a truth you can use to challenge them?
2
The book encourages being the "first domino" to speak up or act. Describe a time you were (or wished you could have been) the first domino. What was the situation and what was the outcome?
3
Luvvie redefines a "troublemaker" as someone who challenges things for the better. Who are some "rising troublemakers" you admire in your school, community, or the world? What makes them effective?
4
The author writes, "Your silence serves no one." Do you completely agree? Can you think of a situation where speaking up felt necessary, and one where maybe holding back was the wiser choice?
