Buddha Boy

Koja, Kathe. Buddha Boy. Penguin Group, 2003. ISBN 0-14-240209-5

Plot
Jinsen is the new kid at high school. It's hard enough to fit in but then Jinsen soon shows that he is truly different from the rest. First, he always wears these oversized bright t-shirts with weird patterns and big dragons. He goes begging for change during lunch and when people poke fun at him, he laughs like he really doesn't care. Justin is reluctantly assigned to be his partner in a school project and finds out more about his odd partner, like how he keeps talking about something called karma and hungry ghosts. He also finds out about his extraordinary talent which makes him question his own ideas and the ideas of others in school.

Critical Evaluation
Koja has a talent of having a clear narrative and doesn't need to use elaborate language to convey the raw feelings of her characters. Readers are able to quickly relate to the feelings of characters even though they are bottling it all up inside. This book also addresses bullying and how high school social circles can prevent victims from getting help. The book is not a difficult read and does a good job addressing a serious issue without getting too preachy or ambivalent.

Reader's Annotation
Justin, a high school student is reluctantly paired with the new student at school. However, this new boy has an extraordinary gift which Justin soon comes to discover. This discovery also forces Justin decide whether to let high school dictate his actions or to stand up for something different.

About the Author
Kathe Koja was born and raised in Detroit and has been writing since she was small. She says that it is only when she attended the Clarion Workshop did she start to get serious about her writings.

Koja has written many other books for adults as well as teens. She currently resides with her husband and three cats near Detroit.

Genre
Bullying Fiction

Curriculum Ties
High School Life
Peer Pressure

Book Talking Ideas
Do you think high school pressures students to keep quiet when bullying happens?
When someone has a different but special talent, is it better to be discreet about it or to be yourself?
What do you think Jinsen means by "hungry ghosts"?

Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 12 and up

Challenge Issues
Use of strong language

Challenge Answer
The language is not heavy or too profane. Most of the language is used by high school students and only sparingly appears in conversation.

Why Included in Selection
A well written book addressing the serious problem of bullying and standing up for what you believe in.