The Brimstone Journals
(2004, Fiction - Contemporary Fiction, Written by Ron Koertge)
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Students tell events leading up to school attack.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 14–18
What to watch out for
-
Violence:
-
Sex:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of The Brimstone Journals was written by Matt Berman
Parents need to know that this examines the harsh world of high school in an easy-to-read format that works well to lead reluctant readers into passionate discussion. The narrators chronicle events leading up to a planned school attack. There's lots of sensitive material here.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about the students' focus on everyday issues, neglecting the larger threat they see looming. Do you recognize any of these voices from your school? Do you identify with any of them?
Have you read it? Review It!
More on The Brimstone Journals
Book Summary
Fifteen high-school students tell their stories in a series of free-verse poems. They chronicle the events, large and small, leading up to an attack on the school planned by one of them. They are bully and victim, white supremacist and African-Americans, anorexic, anarchist, jock, and more. They rebel and conform, rant and plead, preen and worry. But only one will do anything about the attack that all can see coming.
Is It Any Good?
Though all the different voices can get a bit confusing, the types a bit clichéd, and the ending a bit too easy, the author shows how the mundane, everyday concerns of teens can be more important to them than the disaster looming before their eyes. The characters may not be developed, but their voices and concerns are often real, and raw, and there's a lot of meaning packed into a few words.
Almost any of these short, simple poems, chosen at random, could be a discussion starter between parent and teen, or teacher and class. Cumulatively they give teens much to think and talk about.
Publisher’s Details
Publisher: Candlewick Press, Publication date: 05/02/2004
Number of pages: 113, Price: $15.99 (hardcover)
Read Aloud: 14+, Read Alone: 14+
Number of pages: 113, Price: $15.99 (hardcover)
Read Aloud: 14+, Read Alone: 14+
Our Members Say
See all 3 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
-
I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
-
I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
Kept me reading
i loved this bok ive read all other books of his b4 like the stoner and spaz and absolutly loved the book and i found this book to be very..realistic even if people think this sorta stuff dusnt happin or dusnt go threw teens minds some of it actualy dus and it makes sence to write a book about it.
-
I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
Anyone been thru high school will understand this.
There will be a character you will associate yourself with if not actually relate too. Very moving and sad to know that even if we try to help there will be others that won't get it.
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Have you read it?
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
