Buddha Boy » (Unabridged Library Edition)

Kathe Koja is the author of Straydog, which Booklist called “a searing, beautiful book for young readers.” She lives in the Detroit area.

The kids at school call Jinsen “Buddha Boy”—he wears oversize tie-dyed dragon T- shirts, shaves his head, and always seems to be smiling. He's clearly a freak. Then Justin is paired with him for a class project. As he gets to know Jinsen and his incredible artistic talent, Justin questions his own beliefs. But being friends with Buddha Boy isn't simple, especially when Justin realizes that he's going to have to take sides. What matters more: the high school social order or getting to know someone extraordinary?

Publishers Weekly

Narrated by a high school sophomore, this novel explores the tenets of Buddhism via an unlikely friendship between two classmates. In a starred review, PW called it "a compelling introduction to Buddhism and a credible portrait of how true friendship brings out the best in people." Ages 12-up. (Nov.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.