Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
A Good Kind of Trouble summary
Lisa Moore Ramée
Brief summary
A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramée is a powerful story about a 12-year-old girl named Shayla who finds her voice and learns to stand up for what she believes in, even if it means making some good trouble.
Topics
Table of Contents
A Good Kind of Trouble
Summary of key ideas
Exploring Identity and Standing Up for What’s Right
In A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramée, we are introduced to Shayla, a 7th grader who is allergic to trouble and just wants to follow the rules. However, her perspective starts to shift when she participates in a Black Lives Matter protest with her sister, Hana, who is passionate about the movement. This experience sparks a journey of self-discovery for Shayla, challenging her to confront her own identity and the racial injustice surrounding her.
As Shayla navigates her predominantly white school, she grapples with the complexities of her biracial identity. She is often confronted with the question of whether she is 'black enough' by her peers, leading her to feel alienated and confused. Shayla's internal struggle is further intensified when she joins the school's track team and becomes friends with a group of girls who don't understand her racial background.
Challenging the Status Quo
Despite her initial reluctance, Shayla begins to question the status quo, particularly after the acquittal of a police officer who shot an unarmed black man. The event deeply affects her and she feels compelled to take action. She starts wearing a Black Lives Matter armband to school, a decision that sparks heated debates among her classmates and forces her to confront the harsh realities of racial discrimination.
Shayla's journey is not without its challenges. She faces backlash from some of her friends and classmates, and even her track team's coach, who views her armband as a distraction from the sport. However, Shayla remains steadfast in her convictions, determined to stand up for what she believes is right, despite the pressure to conform.
Embracing Her Identity and Finding Her Voice
Throughout the novel, Shayla's experiences force her to confront her fears and insecurities, ultimately leading her to embrace her identity and find her voice. She learns that it's okay to be different and that she doesn't need to fit into a specific mold to be accepted. Shayla also discovers the power of speaking out against injustice, even in the face of adversity.
As the story progresses, Shayla's relationships with her friends and family evolve. She learns to communicate openly with her best friends, Isabella and Julia, about her experiences and feelings. Additionally, Shayla's bond with her sister, Hana, strengthens, as they find common ground in their shared experiences and passion for social justice.
Conclusion: A Journey of Growth and Resilience
In conclusion, A Good Kind of Trouble is a poignant coming-of-age story that explores themes of identity, racial discrimination, and the importance of standing up for what's right. Through Shayla's journey, the novel delivers a powerful message about the significance of embracing one's identity, challenging societal norms, and fighting against injustice.
In the end, Shayla emerges as a resilient and empowered young woman, unafraid to make 'good trouble' in pursuit of a more just and equitable world. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder that even in the face of adversity, our voices and actions can create meaningful change.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is A Good Kind of Trouble about?
A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramée follows the story of Shayla, a 12-year-old girl who is navigating the challenges of middle school. When a police shooting of an unarmed black man shakes her community, Shayla is inspired to take a stand and speak out against racial injustice. Through her journey, she learns about the power of activism and the importance of finding her own voice.
A Good Kind of Trouble Review
A Good Kind of Trouble (2019) revolves around a 12-year-old girl navigating the complexities of racial injustice and personal identity. Here's what makes this book worth your time:
- Offers a poignant exploration of racial awareness and activism, prompting readers to reflect on their own beliefs and values.
- Through the protagonist's journey, the book tackles important themes such as friendship, family dynamics, and finding one's voice in the face of adversity.
- Its engaging storytelling and relatable characters bring depth and authenticity to the narrative, ensuring that every page resonates with readers seeking a thought-provoking and immersive experience.
Who should read A Good Kind of Trouble?
Individuals who are passionate about social justice and racial equality
Young readers who are navigating issues of identity and finding their voice
Educators and parents looking for a thought-provoking book to discuss with middle-grade readers
Categories with A Good Kind of Trouble
Book summaries like A Good Kind of Trouble
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
A Good Kind of Trouble FAQs
What is the main message of A Good Kind of Trouble?
The main message of A Good Kind of Trouble focuses on navigating identity, friendship, and standing up for what's right.
How long does it take to read A Good Kind of Trouble?
Reading A Good Kind of Trouble varies in time. The Blinkist summary can be read in a short time.
Is A Good Kind of Trouble a good book? Is it worth reading?
A Good Kind of Trouble is a compelling read, offering insights into important topics for personal growth and self-reflection.
Who is the author of A Good Kind of Trouble?
The author of A Good Kind of Trouble is Lisa Moore Ramée.
What to read after A Good Kind of Trouble?
If you're wondering what to read next after A Good Kind of Trouble, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher