Coaltown Jesus

Gr 8 Up—Fourteen-year-old Walker is still reeling from the death of his older brother, Noah. Though he doesn't expect a response, he prays for help for himself and his mother, and he's stunned when Jesus appears in his bedroom. This Jesus is unlike the man Walker has read about: he's hip, witty, and somewhat irreverent, yet he encompasses a reassuring and gentle benevolence that helps Walker begin to come to terms with his brother's death. Told in sparse verse, Koertge's simple, poetic novel (Candlewick, 2013) translates well to audio. While the themes are serious-coping with the unexpected death of a loved one, strained family dynamics, the nature of friendship-Koertge successfully manages to keep the tone light without sacrificing the story's substance, which is even more impressive since the prose could have very easily slipped into an overly religious or didactic tone. Fortunately, Nick Podehl's narration remains faithful to the text, embodying Walker's fluctuating emotions and Jesus's quick-witted humor with poignancy. Although Walker is the story's protagonist, it's Podehl's portrayal of Jesus that really drives the narrative. With flawless comedic timing and understated compassion, he humanizes Jesus, allowing listeners, regardless of their religious affiliation, to relate to the character on a personal level.—Audrey Sumser, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Mayfield, OH