Crank

Title: Crank
Author: Ellen Hopkins
Published: Oct 2004
ISBN: 9780689865190
Page number: 537
Price: $6.99
Genre: story in verse, realistic fiction
Reading Level: 8th grade
Interest Level: 8th grade and up
Awards: Abraham Lincoln Award (2009)
Plot Summary: Crank is the story of a teenage girl name Kristina, who loses herself to her alter ego Bree and the world of meth. Kristina goes to visit her father who hasn't been a part of her life after her parents divorced. Her mother reluctantly allows her to visit her father and Kristina soon learns that her father is still the alcoholic druggie that her mother divorced. Kristina starts calling herself Bree and falls for a troubled boy in her father's apartment building. Her decent into meth is fast and soon "Bree" finds herself hooked on the monster she calls crank. Kristina returns home a different person and it isn't long before she finds a new group of friends that help feed her addiction. Bree has taken over and it seems that Kristina is no more. But as her world starts to fall apart and her mother becomes worried will Kristina finally turn her back on the monster or will she continue her downward spiral.
Review: The story is told in verse, which at first can be difficult to follow. But it doesn't take long to adjust to the style of writing. The writing style actual helps reflect the stream of conscience of Kristina which is often jumbled and scattered as she falls further into addiction. The story itself is a gritty and honest look at meth addiction. Kristina is what seems to be a very typical teenager who falls into the wrong crowd. She isn't a teen living in poverty but rather has a supportive mother and all her basic needs are filled. This makes Kristina's fall even more bleak because she gives up so much for her addiction. As Kristina become more addicted an engages in more risky behavior the reader finds themselves engrossed in her life hoping for a happy ending. By the end of the story the reader is left with the reality of how meth can change your life forever, which in Kristina's case she finds herself pregnant and dealing with withdraw.
Reader's Annotation: Kristina was a good girl, always did as she was told. But then Bree came along and took over. Bree may look just like Kristina, but Bree has invited the monster in; meth. Kristina will never be the same because once you let the monster in, it may never leave.
Issues: The book deals with drug use, addiction, drinking, sex, rape, teenage pregnancy and foul language.
Bibliotherapeutic usefulness: The book is an honest reflection of the very real problem of meth addiction. It shows just how quickly and easily a smart teenager girl from the middle class can fall victim to meth. I think that often people associate drugs with poverty, but in Kristina's case she was very well taken care of. Her story is not sugar coated as she lies, steals and falls prey to rape in order to feed the monster. For teens dealing with addiction, either personally or with a family member or friend, the story is one they can relate to. It can help bring awareness to the issue of drug addiction among teens.
Book Talk Ideas: The book talk should reflect the style of the writing, so perhaps a book talk in verse or stream of conscience.
Genre: books in verse, realistic fiction
Main Themes: drug addiction
Read-alikes: Beneath a Meth Moon by Jacqueline Woodson
Author Website: http://ellenhopkins.com/
Professional Reviews: Publisher's Weekly
Kirkus Reviews
Why this book was chosen: The book is highly controversial and very popular. At my library it is often stolen or checked out and never returned. The story connects with many teens and has huge appeal to reluctant readers due to its quick and tumultuous storyline.