From Booklist Walker is grieving the loss of his older brother, Noah, so he’s surprised when he finds Jesus in the middle of his bedroom. Jesus keeps appearing, and though Walker believes that no one else can see him, he’s pretty sure Jesus is real. As the appearances continue, Walker begins to come to terms with his brother’s death and his own strained relationship with his mother. Told in a sparse free verse, the book leaves much for readers to infer, as Noah’s death is never fully explained. Indeed, so much of the story revolves around Noah and the surrounding questions that Walker is left a somewhat undeveloped character without much backstory; readers will learn most about the characters through bits of information dropped throughout. The overall focus is on the theme of dealing with grief and knowing that although questions will always be there, we can help each other through trying times. Grades 8-11. --Sarah Bean Thompson Read more Review Koertge’s verse novel ... is a good vehicle for meditations on life, loss, and faith. A spare and memorable work.—The Horn Book (starred review)In this tender free-verse narrative, Koertge explores quite literally the notion of faith as a balm in the wake of devastating loss. ... Koertge’s tight, spare verse captures the ineffable qualities of fraught relations and emotions. The generosity of spirit Walker exhibits makes this protagonist one easy for teen readers to not only empathize with, but emulate. Didactic yet not preachy, Koertge’s tale offers much food for thought.—Kirkus ReviewsIt’s a fast read, but one with substance—the conversations linger, and the healing that takes place is subtle.—Publishers WeeklyTold in a sparse free verse... [t]he overall focus is on the theme of dealing with grief and knowing that although questions will always be there, we can help each other through trying times.—BooklistRather than taking an irreverent approach to the character of Jesus, Koertge’s depiction actually serves to elevate the character of Walker; in the loving presence of Jesus, Walker is allowed to be angry, distrustful, and hesitant as he grows in self-awareness and grace and ultimately learns to see the goodness of the world through Jesus’ eyes. Pair this with Cynthia Rylant’s God Went to Beauty School for perspectives that refresh a sense of the numinous in everyday life.—Bulletin of the Center for Children's BooksThis book’s poetic form is a well-chosen vehicle for its emotional content, strong message, and powerful ending. The story is an excellent portrayal of grief, letting go, healing, hope, and coming to terms with loss. In spite of its title and Jesus character, this book will appeal to teens, Christian or not, experiencing grief and loss.—VOYATeens will be delighted with the jokes, the freshness, and the slightly subversive take on what is holy.—School Library JournalWalker has been praying to God to help him understand why his brother died and to help his mom who hasn’t stopped crying. He wakes to find Jesus standing at the end of his bed; this certainly couldn’t be the person he’d been praying to—this Jesus was funny, cracking jokes about everything. ... This short book will make readers laugh and cry.—Library Media Connection Read more About the Author Ron Koertge is the author of many award-winning novels, including Shakespeare Bats Cleanup; Strays; Deadville; Margaux with an X; The Brimstone Journals; and The Arizona Kid. A two-time winner of the PEN Literary Award for Children’s Literature, Ron Koertge lives in South Pasadena, California. Read more
M**H
I think reading what others think Jesus would be like; how he would talk
Kind of a prose novel and interesting. Jesus visits a modern teen ager dealing with personal tragedy. I think reading what others think Jesus would be like; how he would talk, the advice he would give, today is interesting.
N**E
Five Stars
Thank You
S**S
Poetry for Jesus
Short and to the point!
S**.
Five Stars
Arrived on time and as advertised!
S**
Five Stars
Good book, and a quick read.
P**R
One Star
Totally inappropriate for my women's reading group.
E**S
Even Jesus was young once
I just want to say: "Coaltown Jesus" is not an easy book. Oh, I'm sure you all think I'm crazy. The thing's less than 150 pages, written in free verse, and it has "Jesus" in the title, not to mention as a main character in the story. What on earth could be difficult about it?I'll tell you what. This book is about a boy trying to overcome the death of his brother and a mother who can't forgive herself for the death of her son. It's about loving someone who's made a lot of bad choices and trying to see the good in him. It's about watching everyone else be okay and wonder how the world can go on. And it's even about running a nursing home and all the sadness that can come with that.Oh yeah, and it's about Jesus. But this isn't your typical Lamb of God. In fact, Ron Koertge's version of Jesus hates being called Lamb. Why couldn't it be Dog of God? He really likes dogs. This Jesus is sarcastic, irreverent, and totally human - just the kind of Jesus a teenager like Walker needs. With Jesus' help, Walker learns that his life doesn't have to end just because his brother's did.Another great thing about this book is that it doesn't try to answer open-ended questions. For example, why did Walker's brother die when his mother's nursing home was full of patients ready to go? And where is Noah? Is he in heaven, hell, somewhere else? Every reader will have a different take, a different answer. And that's fine, because finding definitive answers isn't the point of this book. Jesus makes it clear: the point is healing, even when you don't know you're broken.I admit that some people won't like the Messiah talking like a teenager. It's a little jarring, but I ended up loving it. It reminded me of something I feel like Christians don't think about enough: that Jesus was an actual person once. Walker says at one point that he likes being reminded of that. Jesus responds, "Me, too."Me three, Jesus.
K**S
Sneakers and Faith
Walker and his mother live upstairs from his mother's nursing home, where she cares for residents with respect and tenderness, making it a happy place. But something terrible has happened: Walker's older brother Noah has died. Now Walker prays for help for his mother, who can't stop grieving. To Walker's astonishment, his prayers are answered when Jesus shows up in his room and basically hangs out on and off for a few days.Of course, Jesus isn't quite what Walker expected: he's by turns funny, philosophical, and--dare I say--irreverent. But he grows on Walker, and he grew on me as a reader. All the while the plot crept up on me, till I was smiling and teary-eyed both on the last page.I'm sure some Christians will think this book is inappropriate, but I found it a perfectly nice match for my own faith. And not just because I imagine Jesus really does have a sense of humor. As a poet, I also appreciate how very effective Koertge can be in just a few poems, a few lines--this is a small, spare book, but it says an awful lot.You don't need to be a believer to appreciate Coaltown Jesus. Or at least, you don't need to believe in God. But you do need to believe in life, in people, and in hope.Note: If you like this one, try God Got a Dog by Cynthia Rylant, which has a similar loving, yet whimsical tone on the topic.
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