 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Brimstone Journals
- By Ron Koertge
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Common Sense Media says
Free verse poems about troubled teens -- and school attack.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this book 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, but reading about the struggles of other kids can teach teens to empathize with those who are different from themselves.
What's the story?
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-American, 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.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the free verse format. How would the story be different if it had been told in narrative? Or from one character's perspective?
Do the characters seem stereotypical, or do you recognize any of these voices from your
school? Do you identify with any of them?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
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.
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AGE
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.
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| Author: | Ron Koertge |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Contemporary Fiction |
| Publisher: | Candlewick Press |
| Publication date: | May 2, 2004 |
| Number of pages: | 113 |
| Hardcover price: | $15.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 14 - 17 |
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