Buddha in Your Backpack: Everyday Buddhism for Teens

A guide for navigating the teen years, Buddha in Your Backpack is for young people who want to learn more about Buddhism or for those who simply want to understand what’s going on inside themselves and in the world around them. Buddha in Your Backpack tells Buddha’s life story in a fashion teens will relate to, describing Buddha as a young rebel not satisfied with the answers of his elders. It then introduces Buddha’s core teachings with chapters like “All About Me” and “Been There, Why’d I Do That?” The author presents thoughtful and spiritual insights on school, dating, hanging out, jobs, and other issues of special interest to teens — inviting readers to look inside themselves for answers.

A guide for navigating the teen years, Buddha in Your Backpack is for young people who want to learn more about Buddhism or for those who simply want to understand what’s going on inside themselves and in the world around them. Buddha in Your Backpack tells Buddha’s life story in a fashion teens will relate to, describing Buddha as a young rebel not satisfied with the answers of his elders. It then introduces Buddha’s core teachings with chapters like “All About Me” and “Been There, Why’d I Do That?” The author presents thoughtful and spiritual insights on school, dating, hanging out, jobs, and other issues of special interest to teens — inviting readers to look inside themselves for answers.

Amy Luedtke - VOYA

Metcalf offers teens a practical approach to applying the insights of Buddhism to their everyday lives in this down-to-earth guide. The guide works because the author treats both teens and Buddhism with respect. Metcalf views adolescence as a unique and important time in which teens face real spiritual dilemmas and opportunities. He does not dumb down the subject for teens, but applies Buddhist teaching to real-life teen concerns including family conflicts, friendships, grades, peer pressure, body image, dating, and sex. And what does Buddhism teach teens about sex? According to Metcalf, it is simple, which he stresses is not the same as easy: Do not have sex that causes harm to you or others, and if one does choose to have sex, use a condom. The advice is illustrated with quotes from teens who have applied Buddhism to their own lives. Refreshingly, the author does not attempt to convert readers to Buddhism. Rather, he urges them to use the helpful wisdom of Buddhist teachings regardless of the religion with which they identify. Metcalf's tone is conversational and straightforward. His concise introduction to the life of the Buddha and the basics of Buddhist teachings is appropriate for newcomers as well as for teens who have some familiarity with the practice. Because Metcalf concentrates on the here and now, however, those looking for a more philosophical discussion of Buddhist ideas on topics such as reincarnation or the afterlife might be disappointed. The goal here is to show readers how they can put Buddhism to work in their own lives, and the author explains how teens can use different types of Buddhist meditation techniques. The book closes with a list of books and Web sites formore information. VOYA CODES: 4Q 3P J S (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Will appeal with pushing; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2003, Seastone Press/Ulysses Press (P. O. Box 3440, Berkeley, CA 94703), 244p.; Illus. Further Reading., Trade pb. Ages 12 to 18.