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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.
244 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2002
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234 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 23, 2010
GENRE: Non-fiction: Religion.
SUBJECT/THEMES: Buddhism, self-discovery, self-improvement.
SUMMARY: Buddha in Your Backpack provides teens with a brief history of the Buddha, an overview of the different tenets and beliefs of Buddhism, and a list of additional readings for those who wish to further their knowledge on the subject. The book is structured and the material is presented in a manner that is directed at teens. Buddhism is broken down into topics that matter to teenagers: Homelife, School Issues, Your Body, The Opposite Sex and You, Finding Yourself and Big Questions. Then the book discusses how to go down the Buddhist path, and provides exercises to aid one’s journey.
EVALUATION: I have read a bit about Buddhism, though I am not a Buddhist. Many books on the subject can be dry, or difficult to comprehend, or the reader cannot understand how the Buddhist way of life can be incorporated into their own life. Metcalf’s book solves all of those problems. His casual and relaxed style of speech will put teens at ease, and makes the material easier to understand. He interjects humor here and there, and utilizes many hypothetical situations and phrases that teenagers will be able to relate to. Best of all is how he breaks Buddhism down into sections that directly relate to a teenager’s life. I think I learned more from this book than I have from a Buddhism book aimed at adults.
WHY I WOULD INCLUDE IT: Teenagers are on a journey to find out who they are, and part of that may include experimenting with different religions. I would include this book as an option to teens that wish to explore Buddhism, and I would also seek to add other books that are written in a similar style. This was extremely informative, without trying to convert anyone, be preachy, or be lecturing.
To demonstrate that young adults have a number of options regarding religions, and to show that the library they patronize does not play favorites, this book could be put on a display featuring a variety of religious books.
ITEMS WITH SIMILAR APPEAL:
• Fire in the Heart: A Spiritual Guide for Teens, by Deepak Chopra.
• The Way of Youth: Buddhist Common Sense for Handling Life’s Questions, by Daisaku Ikeda.
• Blue Jean Buddha: Voices of Young Buddhists, by Jack Kornfield.
• Dharma Punx, by Noah Levine.
• What Would Buddha Do?: 101 Answers to Life’s Daily Dilemmas, by Franz Metcalf.
• Wide Awake: Buddhism for the New Generation, by Diana Winston.
SUBJECT/THEMES: Buddhism, self-discovery, self-improvement.
SUMMARY: Buddha in Your Backpack provides teens with a brief history of the Buddha, an overview of the different tenets and beliefs of Buddhism, and a list of additional readings for those who wish to further their knowledge on the subject. The book is structured and the material is presented in a manner that is directed at teens. Buddhism is broken down into topics that matter to teenagers: Homelife, School Issues, Your Body, The Opposite Sex and You, Finding Yourself and Big Questions. Then the book discusses how to go down the Buddhist path, and provides exercises to aid one’s journey.
EVALUATION: I have read a bit about Buddhism, though I am not a Buddhist. Many books on the subject can be dry, or difficult to comprehend, or the reader cannot understand how the Buddhist way of life can be incorporated into their own life. Metcalf’s book solves all of those problems. His casual and relaxed style of speech will put teens at ease, and makes the material easier to understand. He interjects humor here and there, and utilizes many hypothetical situations and phrases that teenagers will be able to relate to. Best of all is how he breaks Buddhism down into sections that directly relate to a teenager’s life. I think I learned more from this book than I have from a Buddhism book aimed at adults.
WHY I WOULD INCLUDE IT: Teenagers are on a journey to find out who they are, and part of that may include experimenting with different religions. I would include this book as an option to teens that wish to explore Buddhism, and I would also seek to add other books that are written in a similar style. This was extremely informative, without trying to convert anyone, be preachy, or be lecturing.
To demonstrate that young adults have a number of options regarding religions, and to show that the library they patronize does not play favorites, this book could be put on a display featuring a variety of religious books.
ITEMS WITH SIMILAR APPEAL:
• Fire in the Heart: A Spiritual Guide for Teens, by Deepak Chopra.
• The Way of Youth: Buddhist Common Sense for Handling Life’s Questions, by Daisaku Ikeda.
• Blue Jean Buddha: Voices of Young Buddhists, by Jack Kornfield.
• Dharma Punx, by Noah Levine.
• What Would Buddha Do?: 101 Answers to Life’s Daily Dilemmas, by Franz Metcalf.
• Wide Awake: Buddhism for the New Generation, by Diana Winston.
November 1, 2024
This book isn’t just really good for teens, but it is also amazing for adults to begin with, and I’ll explain why.
I don’t know if this is just my experience with many adult books supposedly being introductions to Buddhism or Buddhism for beginners, but the book explains an Indian term once, often not too clearly, and then, throughout the rest of the book it carries on just using the Indian words. Added to that, it isn’t just one or two, but many concepts.
The books also try go into complex explanations and you lose interest because you’re still first trying to get used to the simple ideas of a worldview that is totally different to your one, for example, you grew up Evangelical, Catholic or Jewish.
So what this book does is uses very few foreign terms and explains everything in a much simpler way. It is for teens, and the book does a great job to stay at that level.
You go through it maybe once or a few times, now maybe you feel and are more ready to try the supposed beginner books again without just getting annoyed and rather reading something else.
I will now try some of those books again and will let my friends know whether I now find them much clearer.
I don’t know if this is just my experience with many adult books supposedly being introductions to Buddhism or Buddhism for beginners, but the book explains an Indian term once, often not too clearly, and then, throughout the rest of the book it carries on just using the Indian words. Added to that, it isn’t just one or two, but many concepts.
The books also try go into complex explanations and you lose interest because you’re still first trying to get used to the simple ideas of a worldview that is totally different to your one, for example, you grew up Evangelical, Catholic or Jewish.
So what this book does is uses very few foreign terms and explains everything in a much simpler way. It is for teens, and the book does a great job to stay at that level.
You go through it maybe once or a few times, now maybe you feel and are more ready to try the supposed beginner books again without just getting annoyed and rather reading something else.
I will now try some of those books again and will let my friends know whether I now find them much clearer.
March 23, 2017
Buddha in Your Backpack is a lively description of Buddhism that is relevant and engaging for teens (and those outside their teens). Franz Metcalf tells the story of Buddhism and how it may both be relevant for teens and make their lives better. He does this without dumbing down Buddhism.
In many ways Buddha is more accessible than many books on spirituality. It is down-to-earth, includes strong examples, perceives the issues teens face well and responds nonjudgmentally. Each of these things make Buddha an enjoyable and useful read. It is, though, is in some ways three or four very short books: Book 1: a history of Buddhism and a description of Buddhism; Book 2: applications of Buddhism to a teen’s life; and Book 3: a description of how to meditate and a grab bag of strategies to enrich one’s spiritual practice. I especially liked the latter part of Book 1 and all of Book 2. That it tries to accomplish all of these goals – without strong transitions – in 240 pages is frustrating.
But then, I’m not the target audience, neither in terms of age or knowledge of Buddhism. I have given Buddha to others who are either at a beginning stage in their practice or a teenager struggling with the tasks of being a teenager. They have responded very well to it – as I did when I first read Buddha in Your Backpack about ten years ago.
As a side note, Metcalf has three other books that appear to apply Buddhist ideas to everyday issues: What Would Buddha Do? 101 Answers to Life's Daily Dilemmas; Being Buddha at Work: 108 Ancient Truths on Change, Stress, Money, and Success; and Just Add Buddha! Quick Buddhist Solutions for Hellish Bosses, Traffic Jams, Stubborn Spouses, and Other Annoyances of Everyday Life. If you are not an adolescent or if you have more adult issues that you'd like to consider from a Buddhist approach, consider these books.
In many ways Buddha is more accessible than many books on spirituality. It is down-to-earth, includes strong examples, perceives the issues teens face well and responds nonjudgmentally. Each of these things make Buddha an enjoyable and useful read. It is, though, is in some ways three or four very short books: Book 1: a history of Buddhism and a description of Buddhism; Book 2: applications of Buddhism to a teen’s life; and Book 3: a description of how to meditate and a grab bag of strategies to enrich one’s spiritual practice. I especially liked the latter part of Book 1 and all of Book 2. That it tries to accomplish all of these goals – without strong transitions – in 240 pages is frustrating.
But then, I’m not the target audience, neither in terms of age or knowledge of Buddhism. I have given Buddha to others who are either at a beginning stage in their practice or a teenager struggling with the tasks of being a teenager. They have responded very well to it – as I did when I first read Buddha in Your Backpack about ten years ago.
As a side note, Metcalf has three other books that appear to apply Buddhist ideas to everyday issues: What Would Buddha Do? 101 Answers to Life's Daily Dilemmas; Being Buddha at Work: 108 Ancient Truths on Change, Stress, Money, and Success; and Just Add Buddha! Quick Buddhist Solutions for Hellish Bosses, Traffic Jams, Stubborn Spouses, and Other Annoyances of Everyday Life. If you are not an adolescent or if you have more adult issues that you'd like to consider from a Buddhist approach, consider these books.
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May 29, 2016I absolutely LOVED reading Buddha in Your Backpack! My dad bought it for me as he is very interested in spirituality and lives his life by some of the Christian AND Buddhist morals. He goes by two religions as Buddhism teaches him that you are allowed to follow more than one religion.
I am not currently a Christian, and am unsure if I believe in God - right now, I don't think I'm a particularly religious person - I don't follow religions but I do follow the morals and actions of inspirational people - so I guess you could say Delta Goodrem is my religion!
It was interesting to read what the book said about debatable topics in the modern world, such as sexuality and mental illness. Regarding sexuality, Buddhism encourages every person to be themselves regardless of their sexuality, and that it shouldn't be an issue - and that everyone should have the same rights (which I completely agree with!). On the topic of mental disorders - particularly eating disorders (in this case, being thin) - the Buddha himself starved himself to get rid of desire - food - however he REALISED that this was detremential to himself and was so weak that he couldn't even meditate well. So, he started to eat again - and encourages everyone else to do so to be the happiest and strongest version of themselves!
So, knowing myself and my context, I think it would be nearly impossible to become a traditional Buddhist and letting go of possessions and desires! However, this book propelled me to think in the mind space of a different religion. I really agreed with and enjoyed the Buddhist take on some of these modern day issues.
I am not currently a Christian, and am unsure if I believe in God - right now, I don't think I'm a particularly religious person - I don't follow religions but I do follow the morals and actions of inspirational people - so I guess you could say Delta Goodrem is my religion!
It was interesting to read what the book said about debatable topics in the modern world, such as sexuality and mental illness. Regarding sexuality, Buddhism encourages every person to be themselves regardless of their sexuality, and that it shouldn't be an issue - and that everyone should have the same rights (which I completely agree with!). On the topic of mental disorders - particularly eating disorders (in this case, being thin) - the Buddha himself starved himself to get rid of desire - food - however he REALISED that this was detremential to himself and was so weak that he couldn't even meditate well. So, he started to eat again - and encourages everyone else to do so to be the happiest and strongest version of themselves!
So, knowing myself and my context, I think it would be nearly impossible to become a traditional Buddhist and letting go of possessions and desires! However, this book propelled me to think in the mind space of a different religion. I really agreed with and enjoyed the Buddhist take on some of these modern day issues.
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May 3, 2021I thought the book could teach you great lessons about life. It includes the backstory of the Siddhartha and how he became enlightened. This book tells you the basics of Buddhism. It tells you what he has taught to other people. So, Buddha in Your Backpack is a great book of how Siddhartha became enlightened and what he taught.
February 21, 2018
This is a very good book for all Buddhism beginners, not just teenagers. It is a quick read and an easy read. This book emphasizes that you don't have to be a buddhist, that you can bring Buddhism into your life without making drastic changes or changing your religion. Everything is simplified and easy to understand. I highly recommend this book for anyone of any age who is just beginning their journey or might have a slight interest.
June 28, 2018
Loved it. Easy to read and comprehend. Wanted to preview it before giving it to my kids. Looking forward to their feedback.
June 14, 2020
Good YA nonfiction book for someone interested. Friendly language and easy to relate regardless of one’s religion.
January 19, 2021
A real interesting read and a great book in guidance on my issues or problems in youth that many teenager around the world all face.
December 28, 2021
great introduction to buddhism and definitely helped me find some values that I want to live by
February 28, 2014
Buddha in Your Backpack: Everyday Buddhism for Teens is a great for any teen that likes to think about things on a deeper level. This book has many stop and think moments scattered in it's text, this in my opinion somewhat hinders it at times as well (though understanding a way of life is of course doing to be confusing) It can be very difficult to grasp the concept of what the Author is trying to get across. The book starts off giving you some insight on Buddha's early life though he wasn't Buddha yet! I really learned a lot through this book and was very intrigued with the many concepts that were mentioned, then goes through how to do certain things like to deal with dukka and other things. All and all the book has a charm to it, to interest teens. I liked the fact it was teen friendly and very informative not many books I read can be informative and fun to read such as Buddha in Your Backpack. That’s why I rate this four stars.
July 8, 2016
This is a great little book. If I had access to it as a teenager my life might have been easier. All teenagers are seeking and unfortunately in our society they become entangled in the selfish materialism and spiritual bankruptcy that seem to be the substantial products of western capitalism. The author introduces simple approaches to the ideas and methods that are central to Buddhist practice in a way that allows young people to make their own way into the richness of a life centered around practice. It will probably not be enough to establish a strong basis but it does provide and encouraging beginning. It is a taster, and the kids reading it will inevitably make up their own mind about whither this might be an approach to life that might work for them. Life is such a complex web and as a result any approach to understanding it is challenging. This little book has made a fine effort.
April 26, 2011
"All wrong-doing arises because of mind. If mind is transformed can wrong-doing remain?"- The Buddha
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it for teens and adults, in order to gain insight into Buddhist teachings. While this is not a comprehensive manual on Buddhism, it presents the basics in an organized and efficient manner. Never boring the reader or coming off as demanding the conversion to Buddhism, the book sensitively gives the reader the knowledge to choose a path that is right for them.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it for teens and adults, in order to gain insight into Buddhist teachings. While this is not a comprehensive manual on Buddhism, it presents the basics in an organized and efficient manner. Never boring the reader or coming off as demanding the conversion to Buddhism, the book sensitively gives the reader the knowledge to choose a path that is right for them.
October 31, 2011
I really thought that this book was truly informative and very helpful. The fact that the book had so many categories and subcategories about buddhist views on life, made it very easy to navigate through. Buddha's teachings may not have been so direct as this book was, but it was nice to see that his thoughts and words related to so many aspects of the teen life. This book has so many great things to say to help teens overcome very difficult issues. I personally gathered many ways on how to deal with divorce, homework, sex, and how to find myself.
January 16, 2014
This book is amazing and it helped me learn a lot about the Buddhist religion. It’s very easy to read, very personal. Like the author is talking to you directly. I couldn’t put this book down. It explains Buddhism wonderfully. I think anyone who is interested or wants to learn more about this wonderful religion should pick up this book. It’s a must-read. There are some lovely quotes included as well.
January 31, 2014
I have two teens and occasionally I'll go to the teen section to pick up a book for them. three times I saw this book so I finally picked it up and checked it out and it has become my current favorite book.
It is a gentle and basic introduction to Buddhism. Because of this book, I started meditating each morning for 10 minutes and I found it to be most beneficial to the way I approach life. I have since increased to 20 minutes.
It is a gentle and basic introduction to Buddhism. Because of this book, I started meditating each morning for 10 minutes and I found it to be most beneficial to the way I approach life. I have since increased to 20 minutes.
April 15, 2008
This books offers a good introduction to the basic tenets of Buddhism in a way that can be apprehended by teens. Metcalf has a conversational and approachable style and presents the material in a way that is neither preachy nor pushing for conversion. Controversial issues, such as drug use, dating and sex, are handled with senstivity, but in realistic and honest manner.
November 4, 2011
I really loved the easy to understand nature of this book. Although it is written for teens the explaining part is great for any beginner of buddhism or anyone who is just curious. The largest part of this book gives situations many teens find themselves in and then gives ideas of how to handle them from a buddhist perspective.
December 20, 2014
This book gave me some great insight into Buddhism and a lot of great principles and ideas to practice in everyday life. MY only problem is the "for teens" aspect. I couldn't related to a lot of the issues as it was geared towards middle or early high schoolers.
All in all, It was a great book. This is a book that would be great to start out with for anyone interested in Buddhism.
All in all, It was a great book. This is a book that would be great to start out with for anyone interested in Buddhism.
July 22, 2020
The audience is teenagers so it addresses issues typical to this age group in context to Buddhism, like safe sex. But I would also recommend it to any one interested in understanding basic Buddhist concepts. They are explained so simply. So easy to grasp the concepts in preparation for deeper Buddhist philosophy. I read it as a 29 year old and found immeasurable benefit from it at this age.
April 29, 2015
This book explains Buddhism to adolescents. I enjoyed it a lot. Metcalf doesn't talk down to teens – he speaks frankly about sex, drugs, and the trouble a person might run into by saying he or she is a Buddhist. His descriptions of meditation were very helpful.
March 2, 2015
I read this several years ago, and it provided a very nice introduction into the ideas and tennets of Buddhism and how one might begin to apply it into their daily lives. Geared for teens but applicable for everyone.
April 27, 2016
Wonderful read and a great first introduction for teens into Buddhism. Filled with the basic ideas, the author writes from a very connected place to his audience and even if a little dated, still manages to make it accessible. A great tool to teach a younger generation the wonder of Buddhism.
December 19, 2008
Fantastic! Guide to life for adults and teens!
January 19, 2011
I read this for my religious studies class. Quick, sweet, and relate-able.
February 1, 2015
I found it helpful and uplifting, even if I didn't agree entirely with the philosophical basis.
August 14, 2016
cute book for teens. read at ccp at the center in summer of 2011. was a pleasant surprise to find a book on buddhism in prison.
November 16, 2012
Well I am not aligned with any religion myself, I feel 100% comfortable with giving this book to my kids. It was incredibly respectful of their thoughts and opinions.
October 7, 2012
Just a really easy and comfy read. Great for the basics of Buddhism in a relaxed way... Even though I'm not a teen
August 13, 2014
Great book! Was fun reading it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews