The lead character makes a big mistake by creating a false persona, he's found out and faces the inevitable peer scorn. He acknowledges his failure, becomes his authentic self and achieves redemption. He is supported in this transformation by caring adults.
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Zen and the Art of Faking It
(2007, Fiction - Coming of Age, Written by Jordan Sonnenblick)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Great wisdom and humor for teens to meditate on.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 12 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Zen and the Art of Faking It
Parents need to know that this book is a sure hit with both male and female middle school readers. The dialogue keeps the tone light while the book touches on heavy themes, including lying by the main character (for starters, he's adopted from China and tells peers his whole family is Chinese), a con-artist abusive father in jail, a mother and son struggling financially, another mother deserting her daughter and husband, and a bully punching the main character. There's some mild wishful romance, and at the end there is a lesson about facing the truth.
Read our full review by Pam Gelman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about where San went wrong. He lies to everyone, yet why do readers feel empathy for him? Do you think his actions are forgivable? Are the challenges of San and his peers realistic? In the end did Buddhism actually give San the strength to face those he hurt?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
A great book for a kid starting middle school
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
I was so happy!
It wuz AWESOME.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
HAHA!!! funny book!!!
It was a good book and i enjoyed it. It was really funny and found myself laughing as i read it. This is a good book that i soo sugest to anyone who wants to read it!!!
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
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