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Cover of Buddha Boy

Buddha Boy

Kathe Koja (2003)

SubgenreHigh Fantasy
Age groupYA 12-17
Content ratingPG-13
Pages (Quick Read (<250))
Setting
CSM age13
Goodreads3.55
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Content levels

ViolenceModerate
Sexual contentNone
LanguageMild

Trigger warnings

BullyingViolence

Positive tags

Coming of AgeFriendshipSelf-DiscoveryHealing Arc

Protagonist archetypes

Coming-of-Age ProtagonistDuo / Partners

Tropes

Coming of AgeFish out of WaterOutcast / LonerFound Family

Themes

IdentityBullying and Peer PressureMoral CourageFriendshipStanding up for OthersSelf-DiscoverySocial Outcasts

Synopsis

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.

Is Buddha Boy appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 13 and up.

This YA novel addresses school bullying and social courage through an artistic lens. Contains bullying scenarios that may be emotionally intense and some mild language.

What to know going in

This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include bullying and violence.

Who'll love this

Teens will connect with the challenging decisions about standing up for someone who's different while navigating high school social pressures.

Tags

Contemporary RealismSchool StoryLiterary Fiction