The Brimstone Journals

Bibliography

Koertge, Ron. The Brimstone Journals. Massachusetts: Candlewick Press, 2001. 978-0763617424

Review

This collection of poems sets the stage for a “Columbine-like” reenactment, introducing high-schoolers who are intertwined by circumstances such as classes, bullying, dating, or friendships. Each page is from the perspective of one of fifteen unique teenagers who are innately influenced by their families but are struggling to search within themselves to find their own beliefs and self worth. All fifteen students are connected to the initial ring leader, Boyd, whether she is on his “list” or have been recruited to help him open fire at his high school; fifteen different stories are heard clearly, allowing every reader to have a chance to connect with at least one if not many of their lives.

The meter is consistent and has a steady rhythm that makes the poems flow naturally from line to line and poem to poem, regardless of the fact that alternating poems are from the perspective of different characters. Several of the characters use metaphors to describe who or what they wish they could be. Kitty, for example, compares herself to being a bird on page 54, as if she was light enough to “just levitate”, focusing in on her obsession with being skinny. There are traces of rhyme every so often in this book but these instances never take away from the rhythm nor do they develop a sing-song sound. The story throughout the poems is consistently serious while these teenagers seem to open too many doors to trouble, but towards the end of the book, the mood is lifted a bit with hope for the future. One cannot pick up this book and not be affected. One relates to these students even after high school: the drama, the choices, the questions. This is a great book filled with poetry for young adults that carry meaning, lessons, and problems they are really dealing with.

Poem & Connection

The poem from The Brimstone Journals I chose to share is one from the character, Kitty, on page 54.

I think if I’m thin enough, I can fly.

I’ll get real thin and just levitate.

Lift off.

I like the way birds leave home.

They just go.

Nobody’s crying, nobody’s lecturing.

I read about these birds that almost never land:

they feed on the wing, nap as they glide, never make a nest.

They weight next to nothing.

By: Ron Koertge

I feel this poem speaks to many young people who are insecure in their appearance or have dealt or aredealing with eating disorders. I would introduce this poem with students by speaking about the reality and prevalence of eating disorders, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and seeking help for yourself or others. This disease affects many young people and this poem would be a great way to make students aware of what many around them may be dealing with and what they can do to help.