The Brimstone Journals

Citation: Koertge, Ron. The Brimstone Journals. 1st.. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press, 2001.

Grades: 9-12

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Novel in Verse

Themes: School Violence, Rape, Frienship, Prejudice, Emotional Abuse, Self-Esteem

Main Characters: Boyd, Lester, Jennifer, Joseph, David, Sheila, Kelli, Damon, Rob, Carter

Plot Summary:

Brimstone Journals follow the thoughts of several different high school students who attend the school of Branston High School. Each student has a problem they are dealing with, the main issue being that a few of the students are planning a school shooting, and a few others are trying to decide whether or not they should tell someone about it.

Writing Style: The novel is written in verse which makes the book a quick and easy read. The novel is written from the view point of each character in the book.

Assessment of Quality and Utility:

The Brimstone Journals is a intriguing book and the reader is drawn in by each character. There is not a lot of character development but the reader quickly learns which students are in the "in crowd" and which are not. Each student is troubled in their own way. What surprised me is the non-tragic ending which is very believable. Even though the reader does not get to know the students extensively the knowledge that some of them step up and do what must be done is believable and commendable.

The Brimstone Journals could easily be used to open up discussions about school violence, the need to fit in, thoughts about how we treat others and how this affects people more then we know. Also this book shows that one can stand up for what one believes in or for what one thinks is right, and not become an outcast. And that often those who strike out the most are looking for a way out and a helping hand to stop their destructive behavior.