Coaltown Jesus by Ron Koertge

Pages: 122
Intended Audience: Teens and mature tweens
Genre: Real life / Novel in verse / Grief
Notes for Parents: Themes include death and grief.

The Inside Cover

Walker shouldn’t be so surprised to find Jesus standing in the middle of his bedroom. After all, he prayed for whoever was up there to help his mom, who hasn’t stopped crying since Noah died, two months ago. But since when have prayers actually been answered? And since when has Jesus been so…irreverent?
As astounding as Jesus’ sudden appearance is, it’s going to take more than divine intervention for Walker to come to terms with his brother’s death. Why would God take seventeen-year-old Noah when half of the residents in his mom’s nursing home are waiting to die? And why would he send Jesus to Coaltown, Illinois, to pick up the pieces? If he really wanted to help, why couldn’t he have kept Noah from dying?

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

This novel is written in verse.

What’s good?

Jesus is awesome. In fact, characterization in general is well done. This story is super-quick and very easy to read (I finished it in about 40 minutes – and I’m a slow reader!). The plot is uncomplicated, but deals with very serious issues of grief and guilt. Sometimes funny, sometimes tragic, with moments that are deeply moving, this story offers a creative construction of how Jesus (or any higher power for that matter) can bring comfort and understanding to those who are suffering.
Best Part: Almond Joy.

What isn’t good?

It left me wanting more. I wanted to know more about Walker and his mom, and about Noah. I wanted to know more about Jesus and to hear more of what he had to say. I wanted to know more about the elderly residents, and I even wanted to know more about the dog. I feel bad for wishing this was more than just a short novel in verse. I wanted more of everything.
Worst part: I wanted more.

Recommendation þþþþþ

I loved it. As you know, I wanted more. I don’t know what else to say but read it. It’s well-constructed, engaging, and entertaining. I hope you like it as much as I did. Definitely recommended.

Koertge, Ron. Coaltown Jesus. Somerville, MA: Candlewick, 2013. (Hardcover)