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Buddha Boy
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?
128 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 4, 2003
50 people are currently reading
781 people want to read
About the author
Kathe Koja
131 books939 followersKathe Koja is a writer, director and independent producer of live and virtual events. Her work combines and plays with genres, from horror to YA to historical to weird, in books like THE CIPHER, VELOCITIES, BUDDHA BOY, UNDER THE POPPY, and CATHERINE THE GHOST.
Her ongoing project is the world of DARK FACTORY https://darkfactory.club/ continuing in DARK PARK, with DARK MATTER coming out in December 2025.
She's a Detroit native, animal rights supporter, supporter of democracy, and huge fan of Emily Bronte.
Her ongoing project is the world of DARK FACTORY https://darkfactory.club/ continuing in DARK PARK, with DARK MATTER coming out in December 2025.
She's a Detroit native, animal rights supporter, supporter of democracy, and huge fan of Emily Bronte.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
July 8, 2009
This book was a random recommendation while I was book shopping and the title was quirky enough to catch my interest. It was worth it.
I think on audio it was 2/2.5 hours. I could have read it in 1, I'm sure. The story is fairly simple, the setting familiar. A boy (sophomore, I believe) in high school is just trying to keep his head down and not be noticed (in the bad way) by the popular kids. He's doing pretty good, has his friends and is happy. Then he meets Buddha Boy.
Through chance, and a little bit of a kind heart and curiosity, they become something like friends, and then friends. When they are forced to separate in the end, you realize how close the narrator feels to Buddha Boy.
The tone of the book was fun and serious at the same time. The narrator points out things, pondering the same things that teens tend to, and that the reader probably is. He struggles through similar emotions that almost everyone struggles through, especially in relation to bullying.
If I were to sum up this book in one phrase it would be, "We all hope that when the day comes we'll stand up and do the right thing, but that's easier said than done."
I think on audio it was 2/2.5 hours. I could have read it in 1, I'm sure. The story is fairly simple, the setting familiar. A boy (sophomore, I believe) in high school is just trying to keep his head down and not be noticed (in the bad way) by the popular kids. He's doing pretty good, has his friends and is happy. Then he meets Buddha Boy.
Through chance, and a little bit of a kind heart and curiosity, they become something like friends, and then friends. When they are forced to separate in the end, you realize how close the narrator feels to Buddha Boy.
The tone of the book was fun and serious at the same time. The narrator points out things, pondering the same things that teens tend to, and that the reader probably is. He struggles through similar emotions that almost everyone struggles through, especially in relation to bullying.
If I were to sum up this book in one phrase it would be, "We all hope that when the day comes we'll stand up and do the right thing, but that's easier said than done."
August 31, 2016
A tale about a strange boy transferred to a new school, about an unlikely friendship and bullying.
Oh yes, a realistic tale with a hard topic – another type of books I avoid. I use books as an escape from reality, an opportunity to visit new worlds and not to crush into a tough reality.
Maybe this book is just like many others, but it is a well-told story worth checking out. It shows the strengths and weaknesses of schoolkids. It helps to realize some of the reasons behind the bullies’ thinking. If they’re thinking at all. And it shows that if you have a will, you can change yourself.
Oh yes, a realistic tale with a hard topic – another type of books I avoid. I use books as an escape from reality, an opportunity to visit new worlds and not to crush into a tough reality.
Maybe this book is just like many others, but it is a well-told story worth checking out. It shows the strengths and weaknesses of schoolkids. It helps to realize some of the reasons behind the bullies’ thinking. If they’re thinking at all. And it shows that if you have a will, you can change yourself.
August 30, 2016
I would pour gasoline and set myself on fire if I ever have to recommend this book. Preachy, whiny, and long winded plot, characters were boring and unrealistic, nothing stood out. It felt as if it was a brochure advocating Buddhism. I have nothing against Buddhism but it really felt as if it was forced down my throat only to be regurgitated at the end. Boring read. Do not recommend
May 8, 2023
Buddha boy
All of his friends are being mean to him buddha boy. He is doing a project with him. His mom suggested that he should give him a coat but and his mom is really mad at him. he is starting to say that portable is actually very nice.
Buddha’s boy is going with to his dad Art that Buddha boy is going to show him His. Art work ti is really good.
He finds out that his parents die, and he takes care of his aunt and his name is Justin. He is very upset. Somebody ripped his banner he broke super hard on it. He’s not even doing his work. He found who did it when he was so mad at the guy who did it and he so mad he is yelling at Justin
Because he wants him to do something about it because he is his friend.
He used to fight people while, but now he doesn’t. He’s fighting for his friend And he got a bruise on his Neck and got a scholarship for an Art school thing.
They got stuck in the car and they’re trying to kick their way out Justin can’t see them.
All of his friends are being mean to him buddha boy. He is doing a project with him. His mom suggested that he should give him a coat but and his mom is really mad at him. he is starting to say that portable is actually very nice.
Buddha’s boy is going with to his dad Art that Buddha boy is going to show him His. Art work ti is really good.
He finds out that his parents die, and he takes care of his aunt and his name is Justin. He is very upset. Somebody ripped his banner he broke super hard on it. He’s not even doing his work. He found who did it when he was so mad at the guy who did it and he so mad he is yelling at Justin
Because he wants him to do something about it because he is his friend.
He used to fight people while, but now he doesn’t. He’s fighting for his friend And he got a bruise on his Neck and got a scholarship for an Art school thing.
They got stuck in the car and they’re trying to kick their way out Justin can’t see them.
July 2, 2023
This was a good read! I hadn't heard of this author or title before, but wanted to check it out. I was pleasantly surprised that this quick story had such depth, especially for a middle childhood level novel. This was yet another book that shows the kindness and bravery it takes to stick up for and befriend the "weird" kid in school.
September 17, 2023
What a deep lesson in human behavior, and SO well written and produced on audio. What should one do when witnessing bullying? In Justin’s case, get to know the one bullied, grow to like and respect him, and eventually feel enough compassion to defend him. Should be read by every school kid! Oh, and adults could learn from it too.
February 24, 2020
4.25 Stars. Great short story.
August 28, 2021
This was delightful! A satisfying short story, with familiar and recognizable situations and characters, but still fresh. The full cast audio narration was such a treat too.
September 6, 2021
Solid teen read with life lessons.
February 14, 2020
I had high hopes for this book. I picked it up hoping to use it in one of my classes with my students, but it fell flat for me. The characters were somewhat boring, and I felt the language was inappropriate.
December 19, 2012
What I like about Kathe Koja is that in her writing, she doesn't try way too hard. I'm not saying she doesn't put effort into writing a good book, but in so many more modern YA books the authors try to make their characters and plot so jaw dropping and full to the brim of surprise and literary gold. Most of the time, these books aren't so great, which is why I like Kathe Koja because her writing is a lot more nonchalant.
I first read Buddha Boy about five years ago maybe (it was published in 2003 I think but I read it later). The only thing I remembered was because outraged at the use of the f word. Yes, I grew up in that type of family. And when I saw it in here after rereading it, I didn't care because I say the f word at least 10 times a day now.
Buddha Boy is about a boy named Jinsen that moves to a very preppy high school and because of his Buddhist spirituality and the way he acts and dresses, the students call him Buddha Boy. The protagonist, Justin, at first doesn't want to be friends with him because he doesn't want people to think he is weird, but after working together on a project they actually become friends. Justin learns that Jinsen is a very good artist and he is so different from other teens because of how he thinks. This book is kind of a bullying book before the whole government and educational-system movement to end bullying in schools. It doesn't deal with self-harm or suicide or anything, but it is interesting because of how Jinsen reacts to the people bullying him.
Kathe Koja writes in a style that suggests the characters are very ordinary, universal almost. Not so much this one. Yes, Justin is as average as you can get, but seldom will you come across a person like Jinsen. Finding people that are spiritual isn't very hard, but usually those people are Catholic. I live in America, and there isn't much religious diversity, at least around me. Probably because I live in a small town and I go to a Catholic school. But finding people like Jinsen that want to act like Tibetan monks and appreciate everything in life is so rare . Jinsen, I think represents another form of Justin. They have many similarities and it seems that Jinsen is free to act how Justin would act if it weren't for social guidelines of how to fit in. I've never like that term, fit in. I think everyone should be original and who they want to be, but a lot of times when you try to be different you get made fun of. I hear the word fag/faggot or any other homophobic word so many times a day at school, and I'm not gay and I have friends that are gay and I fully support gay rights, and it is awful how in American society it has become a word used by so many to incorrectly suggest inferiority or weakness, stupidity or being different. If we had kids like Jinsen and kids that wanted to be openly different (like Jinsen), we wouldn't have problems of trying to fit in. For so long I've wanted to be ordinary and fit in, but that's boring. I hate to simplify individuals, but I see some of the kids at my school and there is nothing about them that makes them stand out from the hundreds of other kids like them. Why do personalities seem so similar? Of course, I don't go around telling everyone I do circus and stuff, because I don't tell a lot of people much about myself.
What happened to contemporary fiction? Lately it seems like it is only about YA romance, and that is not what life is. Life is about struggle and fitting in, but also but dealing with the fact that you are different and embracing that. And being different is okay. I'd rather have interesting friends than friends that are extremely average and bland and boring to talk to.
Rarely do I find characters that are as relatable as Justin. The author wants the reader to be him, because she knows that you can understand the situation he is in. Kathe Koja tells it as it is, and she knows that teen life is not pretty or fun. She definitely portrays this well in her writing.
I first read Buddha Boy about five years ago maybe (it was published in 2003 I think but I read it later). The only thing I remembered was because outraged at the use of the f word. Yes, I grew up in that type of family. And when I saw it in here after rereading it, I didn't care because I say the f word at least 10 times a day now.
Buddha Boy is about a boy named Jinsen that moves to a very preppy high school and because of his Buddhist spirituality and the way he acts and dresses, the students call him Buddha Boy. The protagonist, Justin, at first doesn't want to be friends with him because he doesn't want people to think he is weird, but after working together on a project they actually become friends. Justin learns that Jinsen is a very good artist and he is so different from other teens because of how he thinks. This book is kind of a bullying book before the whole government and educational-system movement to end bullying in schools. It doesn't deal with self-harm or suicide or anything, but it is interesting because of how Jinsen reacts to the people bullying him.
Kathe Koja writes in a style that suggests the characters are very ordinary, universal almost. Not so much this one. Yes, Justin is as average as you can get, but seldom will you come across a person like Jinsen. Finding people that are spiritual isn't very hard, but usually those people are Catholic. I live in America, and there isn't much religious diversity, at least around me. Probably because I live in a small town and I go to a Catholic school. But finding people like Jinsen that want to act like Tibetan monks and appreciate everything in life is so rare . Jinsen, I think represents another form of Justin. They have many similarities and it seems that Jinsen is free to act how Justin would act if it weren't for social guidelines of how to fit in. I've never like that term, fit in. I think everyone should be original and who they want to be, but a lot of times when you try to be different you get made fun of. I hear the word fag/faggot or any other homophobic word so many times a day at school, and I'm not gay and I have friends that are gay and I fully support gay rights, and it is awful how in American society it has become a word used by so many to incorrectly suggest inferiority or weakness, stupidity or being different. If we had kids like Jinsen and kids that wanted to be openly different (like Jinsen), we wouldn't have problems of trying to fit in. For so long I've wanted to be ordinary and fit in, but that's boring. I hate to simplify individuals, but I see some of the kids at my school and there is nothing about them that makes them stand out from the hundreds of other kids like them. Why do personalities seem so similar? Of course, I don't go around telling everyone I do circus and stuff, because I don't tell a lot of people much about myself.
What happened to contemporary fiction? Lately it seems like it is only about YA romance, and that is not what life is. Life is about struggle and fitting in, but also but dealing with the fact that you are different and embracing that. And being different is okay. I'd rather have interesting friends than friends that are extremely average and bland and boring to talk to.
Rarely do I find characters that are as relatable as Justin. The author wants the reader to be him, because she knows that you can understand the situation he is in. Kathe Koja tells it as it is, and she knows that teen life is not pretty or fun. She definitely portrays this well in her writing.
November 25, 2011
This is a good example of when an author tries to be poetic but fails miserably. What was supposed to be lyrical ends up being dry and boring. Putting language aside, the plot was SO typical of anti-bullying stories that I could and did predict what would happen (I was right). A fairly popular boy meets another boy who is different because of religion, dress etc. They end up working on a project together and the different and bullied boy ends up being really talented and having great insight into the world around them. they end up becoming best friends while ruining the fairly popular boy's image and relationship because the friends he's had since third grade are racist jerks. Oh, and they end making the bullies become better human beings... THE END.
November 12, 2017
I read it in two sittings, so it kept my attention... On the HEHS summer reading list, I believe, so I had to read it before I brought it to my 7th graders. There are a couple of foul words, but nothing they haven't heard before. I liked Jinsen (Buddha Boy), and even more once he told Justin more of his story. I also had an urge to see the art they made. Solid story about how to live - even if your life isn't the best.
July 14, 2008
This was the first book that I've read by Koja, and I was slightly disappointed, because I was expecting more. I don't remember much about it a few days after finishing it. Maybe I started with the wrong one?
October 23, 2013
A friend convinced me to keep reading, and I'm glad I did. These high school bully stories always bother me though, they hit too close to the heart.
March 19, 2015
I wished this was better written.
May 11, 2017
I thought the book was ok, i was not very intresting to me.
July 31, 2023
Wow! What can I say? Totally gobsmacked by this. Ostensibly a “young adult” reader book, there isn’t a full grown man or woman who wouldn’t find this totally real, true and powerful. Described as a “coming of age” story and I guess it is, but at its core it’s a tale about humans and how we rub off on each other, and what that contact does to change us.
Justin is a student at Edward Rucher High School with his friends Jakob and Megan; they’re not in with the in crowd, but they sorta slot into the edges, even though they don’t really like the “in” crowd it’s better to be at least accepted than not. And then Michael Martin shows up at school, but hardly anybody knows him by that name - the toughest elements of the in crowd deem him “Buddha Boy” because of his shaved head, his odd clothes, and his air of detachment, and they begin to haze and bully him badly. Justin is appalled by it but what can he do? And then Justin and Michael are assigned to an art project as a team. Justin loves art and is pretty good at it, but when Jinsen (the new name Buddha Boy has taken, it’s his “spirit” name) shows Justin his portfolio, Justin is blown away. The best art EVER, it’s amazing! He now sees Jinsen in a new light, and quickly begins to deepen their relationship, but when the bullies come on again, what does he do now?
We’ve all been there at that age. Do we stand by passively and let it happen, or do we intervene and stand with the oppressed openly, no matter the cost - physical, social, or emotional. That’s the crux of our book right there - and we are drawn right into the lives of Justin and Jinsen. A gripping tale, powerfully told, and one which this not-a-young-reader will recommend to all who love books and the stories they tell about us. Please read this!
Justin is a student at Edward Rucher High School with his friends Jakob and Megan; they’re not in with the in crowd, but they sorta slot into the edges, even though they don’t really like the “in” crowd it’s better to be at least accepted than not. And then Michael Martin shows up at school, but hardly anybody knows him by that name - the toughest elements of the in crowd deem him “Buddha Boy” because of his shaved head, his odd clothes, and his air of detachment, and they begin to haze and bully him badly. Justin is appalled by it but what can he do? And then Justin and Michael are assigned to an art project as a team. Justin loves art and is pretty good at it, but when Jinsen (the new name Buddha Boy has taken, it’s his “spirit” name) shows Justin his portfolio, Justin is blown away. The best art EVER, it’s amazing! He now sees Jinsen in a new light, and quickly begins to deepen their relationship, but when the bullies come on again, what does he do now?
We’ve all been there at that age. Do we stand by passively and let it happen, or do we intervene and stand with the oppressed openly, no matter the cost - physical, social, or emotional. That’s the crux of our book right there - and we are drawn right into the lives of Justin and Jinsen. A gripping tale, powerfully told, and one which this not-a-young-reader will recommend to all who love books and the stories they tell about us. Please read this!
March 15, 2020
"…we're all gods…Gods inside, all of us."
2 Stars! “Buddha Boy” is my first book by Kathe Koja and with a statement pertaining to everyone inhabiting Gods within themselves, I was hoping for more out of this novella by the rave reviews she [Kathe Koja] receives.
I had somewhat high expectations based on the description of the book and the author. As I read along, I kept waiting for something more than a short telling of events that occurred to a strange boy who was befriended by someone by accident. The writing is different and simple that gives off that the author is offhandedly writing in a perspective of someone else to fall so the story can fall into the YA genre which makes the pace fast but lacking.
The book was a message for readers to think about religion/faith, bullying and how social ladders affect the way people interact without knowing one's situation. This message fell short based on writing style and originality. Kathe Koja could have taken Jinsen Martin (Buddha Boy) to something truly otherworldly emphasizing the truths of Karma or importance of faith. The main character, Justin, was written like a cowardly teen with no direction on why he was so drawn to Jinsen’s beliefs other than 2 short, random conversations they have while doing a project. For the age range these teenagers are in, Jinsen is considered to be wiser beyond his years based off past events he experienced and influenced Justin to rethink about his own personal growth but this was not conveyed adequately.
2 Stars! “Buddha Boy” is my first book by Kathe Koja and with a statement pertaining to everyone inhabiting Gods within themselves, I was hoping for more out of this novella by the rave reviews she [Kathe Koja] receives.
I had somewhat high expectations based on the description of the book and the author. As I read along, I kept waiting for something more than a short telling of events that occurred to a strange boy who was befriended by someone by accident. The writing is different and simple that gives off that the author is offhandedly writing in a perspective of someone else to fall so the story can fall into the YA genre which makes the pace fast but lacking.
The book was a message for readers to think about religion/faith, bullying and how social ladders affect the way people interact without knowing one's situation. This message fell short based on writing style and originality. Kathe Koja could have taken Jinsen Martin (Buddha Boy) to something truly otherworldly emphasizing the truths of Karma or importance of faith. The main character, Justin, was written like a cowardly teen with no direction on why he was so drawn to Jinsen’s beliefs other than 2 short, random conversations they have while doing a project. For the age range these teenagers are in, Jinsen is considered to be wiser beyond his years based off past events he experienced and influenced Justin to rethink about his own personal growth but this was not conveyed adequately.
April 5, 2018
Justin fits comfortably in the middle of his school, just insignificant enough to avoid unwanted attention and avoid being picked on. That is, until a new kid, nicknamed "Buddha Boy" comes to school and is assigned to be his partner for his economy class. As the two become friends, they have to withstand bullying and hold tightly to their values to make it through.
I don't know much about cultural appropriation, but I suspect this book might be treading the line. (Possible spoilers ahead) It's not really clear how the book feels about involiving adults in stopping bullying- Jinsen is adamantly against it but it also solves things and whether it is or isn't the correct decision isn't actually addressed. Jinsen's backstory was an unexpected pleasant twist.
CONTENT WARNINGS: bullying, some harder profanity- still within the PG 13 realm
I don't know much about cultural appropriation, but I suspect this book might be treading the line. (Possible spoilers ahead) It's not really clear how the book feels about involiving adults in stopping bullying- Jinsen is adamantly against it but it also solves things and whether it is or isn't the correct decision isn't actually addressed. Jinsen's backstory was an unexpected pleasant twist.
CONTENT WARNINGS: bullying, some harder profanity- still within the PG 13 realm
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February 28, 2022Buddha Boy by Kathe Koja presents younger readers with a very unpleasant reality. Bullies. In this book, the protagonist keeps his head down to keep from attracting negative attention. Then this high school sophomore meets “Buddha Boy” begging during lunch. This classmate endures thrown pennies and unkind jeers with a gentle smile. His shaved head and outdated clothes mark him as ‘different.’ When thrown together for a school project, the protagonist and “Buddha Boy” discover their shared appreciation for art. Through the novella, they develop a friendship, and “Buddha Boy” explains Karma and Buddhism. His theory on bullies is they are “hungry spirits” causing trouble.
The novella handles the religious aspects gently and respectfully. The characters come across as believable, and the overarching message is one everyone needs to keep in their heart.
The novella handles the religious aspects gently and respectfully. The characters come across as believable, and the overarching message is one everyone needs to keep in their heart.
June 2, 2021
This is a pretty lightweight, easy read, even for a YA book, and I would have liked it to have been fleshed out a bit more. I was worried for a while that the titular character was going to be too shallow, but it helps when you get to his backstory. Still, it’s good for what it does, and I particularly liked the ending. I also enjoyed the descriptions of Jinsen’s art, and I appreciated Justin’s relationship with his dad. The writing style is interesting, with lots of narration sentences sort of tripping over and merging into dialogue, and vice versa, which took a bit of getting used to but also gives it a stream of consciousness feel in an unusual way.
July 31, 2025
I found this while looking for an old hs favorite of mine by the same author and decided to get it on a whim. It was a quick hour and change read and actually very good - it touched on standing up for what’s right and not sitting by while others are bullied. It’s a great YA novel and I wish I had maybe read more by this author as a kid
November 22, 2019
Typical anti-bullying story - nothing new or really exciting. At times the writing was confusing, I think they were trying to be poetic or something?
Read it in about 45 minutes so take my review with a grain of salt. Not a bad book, just not good either.
Read it in about 45 minutes so take my review with a grain of salt. Not a bad book, just not good either.
July 29, 2022
It was a quick read because I didn't find the characters or plot that engaging. It has several positive messages about respecting differences and choosing to not get angry when mistreated and some Buddhist philosophies on developing peace.
January 4, 2026
This books holds the story of personal growth and redemption of at least two characters. A coming of age tale where oblivious youth is shed away with the dawning of acknoledging that there are hardships to overcome, and virtues to forge to deal with them.
June 18, 2017
FINISH WITH STEP 1 AND SOME PARTS OF STEP 2. NOW ON TO FINISH MY ENTIRE SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENT (AND FINDING TIME FOR LOS AND ACOWAR)
July 6, 2017
The message in this book was great but the writing was just very strange. This was the author's debut (I think) so I'm going to try another one before I write the author off completely.
August 18, 2017
A powerful story about bullying and finding your own peace.
January 19, 2018
The book is a good read. It also made me think of my childhood and how I was in high school. The story would you think. I really enjoy it and would recommend it to my friends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews