Becoming Buddha: The Story of Siddhartha

Whitney Stewart
Published by Heian (2005)
ISBN 9780893469467  
Reviewed by Brianne Plach (age 9) by Reader Views (5/07)

Siddharta has had a rough life. His mother dies just 7 days after his birth and his aunt becomes like a mother to him. The boy's father, King Shuddhodana, is told that his son can become a holy man when he is older but for now he will be a great ruler. As he grows up, he feels that life is full of suffering. He is encouraged to look for some enlightenment. He learns the benefits of meditation. He becomes a leader in his own way. The road to becoming a leader takes many twists and turns along the way. He also meets some people who encourage him.

"Becoming Buddha" provides an interesting insight into Buddhism. It gives non-Buddhists a chance to see a little of what Buddhism is about. It is not my religion, but gives me a look at another religion. The pictures in this book are very colorful and look like they are painted. It is very artistic. "Becoming Buddha" has in its foreword written by the 14th Dalai Lama, that the author doesn't believe in Buddhism but hopes that she can contribute to global peace.

Note from Brianne's mother: On the book jacket, this book says that it is best suited for children over the age of 12. She is younger than the target audience so we read this book together. She had a lot of questions about Buddhism since it is much different than our faith.

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