Wednesday, March 26, 2014

"The Brimstone Journals" by Ron Koertge (128 pages)


Welcome to Branston High, also known as Brimstone to its students. This nickname comes from “fire and brimstone.” As in hell. Throughout this book, we learn fast why that is.

Author Ron Koertge takes us into the lives of some of Branston’s students, using a series of short, journal-like poems. You might think that these students have nothing in common, but you’ll soon find out that they are more similar than they seem. They each have their own struggles that they are battling. There’s the Smart One, the Fat Kid, Social Conscience, Bad Girl, Good Girl, Jock, Anorexic, Lesbian, Rich Boy, Stud and so on. What brings them all together? Boyd. Boyd is an angry teenager who soon decides that he will get back at everyone who has ever made him feel less of a person – no matter how ridiculous the reason. Boyd has a massive chip on his shoulder and this book takes you through his thoughts and plans to get revenge.

 Tension is rising, and soon Boyd compiles a list of students called his “hit list.” Leading up to the planned school attack, people start realizing what is actually going on. Will Boyd follow through with his plan?

Narrated  by fifteen characters from Branston High, this poetic novel brings us in to the world of terror and violence in schools. It is a very quick and easy read.

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