With his shaved head and begging bowl the new kid is an automatic target for the bully boys of Edward Rucher High, an easy mark for their casual cruelty.
Watching this, Justin would gladly stay as far from the newcomer as possible, until their economics teacher pairs them for a project and he finds himself becoming fascinated by the kid the others mock as Buddha Boy. The thing is, friendship with an outcast always carries a price, and soon Justin must decide if he can stay silent in the face of what he knows.
A scorching portrait of contemporary high school life, featuring a character listeners will never forget.
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"I liked this book because it talks about how a boy named Jinsen who acts differently from other kids at school. Other kids call him a freak because he shaves his head, wears an oversize tie-dyed dragon T-shirt and he seems to be smiling. The story is also about how in the beginning of the book he has to beg for money like a Buddhist monk when people walk by. He also gets paired up with the main character who is Justin and Justin doesn't really like him but he has to be paired up with him. Jinsen is very talented in drawing but this bully named McManus was so arrogant that he tears down and ruins Jinsen's drawing poster because he is jealous of Jinsen's magnificent poster. In the end, Justin becomes a good friend of Jinsen." — Nick (5 out of 5 stars)
"I liked this book because it talks about how a boy named Jinsen who acts differently from other kids at school. Other kids call him a freak because he shaves his head, wears an oversize tie-dyed dragon T-shirt and he seems to be smiling. The story is also about how in the beginning of the book he has to beg for money like a Buddhist monk when people walk by. He also gets paired up with the main character who is Justin and Justin doesn't really like him but he has to be paired up with him. Jinsen is very talented in drawing but this bully named McManus was so arrogant that he tears down and ruins Jinsen's drawing poster because he is jealous of Jinsen's magnificent poster. In the end, Justin becomes a good friend of Jinsen."
" A very well written and touching book.I loved reading it and am looking forward to reading other books written by Kathe Koja.:) "
" I read this a long time ago, but then the other night I reread it. It was still so good. I enjoyed every second of it, the whole thing feels like knowing you are gonna rear end the car in front of you. The messages in it our great, and the ending is wonderful. "
" definitely the worst book i have ever been forced to read/ read. "
" It's great! ... For an elementary school student. "
" I could totally understand where the teen was coming from. When it would get more across to fight but you don't how do you handle that? It was a quick interesting read. "
" this is my summer reading book... its ok so far but not the type of book i usually read "
" A sweetly written novel that cleverly addresses the spiritual nature of non-conformity "
" I've been reading alot of fiction lately dealing with not fitting in and bullying. This one really made you think. "
" fabulous for just over 100 pages. there was a really neat twist to it, too. So far Kathe Koja is one of my fave YA authors. "
" Justin spends time with Jinsen, the unusual and artistic new student whom the school bullies torment and call Buddha Boy, and ends up making choices that impact Jinsen, himself, and the entire school. "
" Great for middle school students who want to read about a student who rises above the bullies. A fast,easy read about an interesting character who is a challenge to befriend. How can you be cool if your friend begs at lunch and smiles when called names. "
" 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? "
" Kathe Koja is such an amazing writer, this was a great story. The main character was really believable, he felt like your typical teenage boy. And "Buddha boy" I could relate to him, there's often a price to pay in order to be different but it's worth it <3 "
" This was a very quick and easy read and really kept the interest going. There was a clear message and I think kids would enjoy the book quite a bit. "
" Thoughtful little teen novel about bullying, friendship, and karma. "
" A beautiful well written story. This book should be read by every teacher and their students. "
" Interesting twist, the bully becomes the bullied. "
" Required reading for school this year. Very good book. Stong language though... "
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