Troublemaker is a book by Andrew Clements about a boy named Clayton Hensley. Clayton is notorious for causing trouble, especially at school. For example, in one noteworthy scene, he is in art class and draws a picture of the school principal, Mr. Kelling, as a donkey.

But then, Clay’s older brother Mitch gets sent to jail. Mitch also has a reputation as a troublemaker and he is worried that Clay is going to end up in the same situation he has. When Mitch gets out of jail he tells Clay that he has to change his ways. Clay promises Mitch he will be good from now on, but the teachers at his school do not believe that he is actually changing. His friend Hank (who is also known as a troublemaker) also does not believe Clay and does not really want Clay to change either. This causes tension between the two friends.

When Halloween comes around, Clay feels left out. Halloween is a holiday all about troublemaking, so he feels conflicted between his love for making mischief and his promise to his brother. In the end, he is committed to his promise and stays in on Halloween night. But Mr. Kelling’s house is egged and spray-painted on Halloween, and the police assume Clay did it because of Clay’s poor reputation. In the end, Clay proves his innocence and mends his relationship with Mr. Kelling, but the story warns readers about the power of a reputation.