YA Poetry: CRANK by Ellen Hopkins

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Hopkins, Ellen. 2004. CRANK. New York: Simon Pulse. ISBN 0689865198

               Kristina’s life is forever changed after a visit to her addict dad. Lured by an attractive boy and her newly acquired alter ego, Bree, she begins down a slippery slope. Once a model student and trusted daughter, Kristina becomes more and more entangled in the grip of the monster: crank. Everything about her life changes as she struggles with the addiction and the consequences of her actions, and as the true Kristina fights a losing battle the persuasive and controlling duo of Bree and the monster.   

               “Powerful and unsettling (Kirkus Reviews, October 1, 2004).This novel in verse gives a gritty and realistic insight into the world of a meth addict and how quickly a life can be ruined by a single decision. The problems presented in the story speak clearly to many teens who face similar ones. Kristina’s thoughts and feelings are boldly expressed through her perspective and give the reader what feels to be a window into her soul. The characters are relatable and have depth, despite the lack of abundant description do to the verse form.  The settings are presented in enough detail to make them move the story along, but are not overly emphasized. The reader is left with plenty to think about as a result of the themes presented in the story, all of which are heavy and timely.  From dealing with drug addiction, rape, teen pregnancy, the parent and teen relationship, sexuality, and the obliteration of an anticipated future, there is much to ponder. The free verse form allows the author liberty in writing style to let Kristina’s changing personality and drug influenced contrast to shine through. The shape and organization of stanzas play a role in the flow and presentation. 

“The #1 Worst Thing

about those seven months:

My steady, needful, forever

relationship with the monster.

                                                                           Learning

that “addiction” is much more

than a buzz word.

                                                                           Discovering

how very much it applied

to my “me first” psyche.

                                                                           Struggling

not to give in to inner voices

much stronger than my own.

                                                                           Winning

most of the time, gritting my

teeth and “just saying no.”

                                                                           Losing

in the moments

when the world

I’d created for myself

closed in around me” (Hopkins 535)

Though not a pleasant read, this book would be good for many teens, with the portrayal of the harsh realities of drugs and addiction, and will likely serve as a warning, as the author claims to be the intention, “If this story speaks to you, I have accomplished what I set out to do. Crank is, indeed, a monster - one that is tough to leave behind once you invite it into your life. Think twice. Then think again” (Hopkins, author’s note). “Readers won't soon forget smart, sardonic Kristina; her chilling descent into addiction; or the author's note, which references her own daughter's struggle with "the monster." (Gillian Engberg, Booklist, Nov. 15, 2004).

Classroom Connections

-        conduct a Socratic circle discussion about the novel and drug addiction

-        pair with current events articles related to meth and drugs, especially in relation to teens

-        try a collaborative verse writing assignment, taking a familiar story and having groups compose different sections or chapters to be combined into a whole 

Best Books:

YALSA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults, 2005 ; American Library Association; United States
YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 2005 ; American Library Association-YALSA; United States
Young Adults' Choices, 2006 ; International Reading Association; United States

Awards, Honors, Prizes:

Abraham Lincoln Illinois High School Book Award, 2009 Winner Illinois
Delaware Diamonds, 2010 Winner High School Delaware
Gateway Readers Award, 2007 1st Place Missouri
Green Mountain Book Award, 2009 Winner Grades 9-12 Vermont
Soaring Eagle Book Award, 2009 Winner Grades 7-12 Wyoming
Society of School Librarians International Book Awards, 2005 Honor Book Language Arts-Grades 7-12 Novels United States