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?

Kathe Koja is the author of a number of acclaimed novels for adults, as well as a growing list of books for teenagers, among themBuddha Boy, Blue Mirror, and the multiple award-winning straydog. She lives near Detroit, Michigan.