 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Crank
- By Ellen Hopkins
- Genre: Poetry
Common Sense Media says
First in controversial verse poetry series about addiction.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is a free verse poetry book about a teen girl's addiction to methamphetamine (also known as crank). Kristina snorts it, smokes it, and even injects it. She also buys and sells -- including from a drug gang. And she smokes cigarettes, does ecstasy, smokes marijuana, and drinks coffee. This book includes other mature material, including a rape, an unplanned pregnancy, and a scene in which a high Kristina cuts her skin and drinks her own blood. Mature readers will recognize that this is a cautionary tale describing the strong hold of addiction, and parents could use it to open up some good discussions about drug use and addiction.
What's the story?
When Kristina goes to visit her biological father, she creates a new identity for herself, calling herself Bree and trying things like crank -- which she smokes for the first time with her father and a new boyfriend. Once back home, she can't break free of Bree, or the drug she calls "the monster." Her comfortable suburban life begins to disappear as she gets deeper into crank: She begins to do badly at a school, steals money from her mom, and even ends up at juvenile hall. When she discovers she is pregnant, she tries to get her life back on track. But can she really say goodbye to the monster?
Is it any good?
It's no wonder that this book has been such a hit with teen readers: The free verse makes for a fast read, and the details are full of drama; as Kristina gets deeper into drugs she even injects crank -- and later discovers she is pregnant. But while this is a cautionary tale, this book will leave more of an imprint than an after-school special about drug abuse. Partly, this is because of the open ending in which Kristina has still not decided if she can live drug free, even with all that she now has to live for -- including a baby of her own. Parents who are concerned about the mature material might consider reading along with their teens so they can be better prepared for questions and discussions.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about this book's subject matter. Did you learn anything that surprised you about crank or drug abuse? Do you think this book will discourage kids from doing drugs?
Crank was number four on the American Library Associations list of most challenged books of 2010. What makes it so controversial? Who should have a right to decide what you read -- or what's in your library or school?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
Risque but okay for mature teens
I think this is not for children although I read this and did a report on it in the seventh grade . Kids should understand how illegal substances and reproduction work BEFORE reading this to avoid confusion and awkwardly questioning parents and teachers about the subject matter
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AGE
kids not ready for this read
I have really enjoyed reading this book but I would not recommend this for my teenage children to read. The reason behind my hesitation is because the way the "monster" makes her feel is almost enticing rather than revolting.
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AGE
Addictive, but Terrifying series debut.
Crank is a beautifully woven story with realistic characters, but beware, the story is disturbing, and sometimes so real, it's scary. The content is not always appropriate, teens must be prepared, adults, I would read before your teen. That being said, I also think adults aren't so sure what their teen can handle. If your teen is mature and reads a lot, I am almost positive they can handle this, but it is a mature read. The book is charged with teen's sexual romances. Although it does not go into to much detail, you can clearly understand what is happening. Also, the book isn't too violent, but in one heart- breaking scene, a girl is raped, leaving her in pain. A teen gets pregnant at the end of the story, and kids take drugs, very raw and descriptions are available. Also, the language is strong, including f***, sh**, su**, a**, d***, ect. But at the heart of the story, it tells of a teen who is struggling to come to terms with the way life works, and peer pressure. The story also talks about the way families are pulled apart when one gets addicted. The story is raw, but wonderful. The story is written in free verse, making the read a faster ride. I recommend it for mature readers. Enjoy!
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AGE
Really good but inappropriate
I read this book and i thought it was really good but it did involve rape cutting (only once) drug use and sex of course.
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AGE
Crank
Crank opened my eyes to the horror of drugs in the teenage world im a teenager myself and this series kinda scared me a little bit i think its a good book for 14 year olds and up
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AGE
good for mature readers
a very quick read and too sexual for my likings. a chapter is called "how big"and its got a ton of drug use about meth and the main character gets pregnant and it goes into detail some of the sex stuff
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AGE
A warning for young teens.
I loved this book when I read it and I think if younger teen read it< they wouldn't want to go out and have sex or do drugs. Because in the book it shows how much drugs ruined the girls life. And since it's based some what on the writers daughter, young teens can see that it really can happen to you.
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AGE
great book for mature teens
i am a young adult and i loved reading this book it was action packed and left me hanging on the edge of my seat. i would stay up till midnight reading because i loved it soo much
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| Author: | Ellen Hopkins |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Poetry |
| Publisher: | Simon & Schuster |
| Publication date: | October 1, 2004 |
| Number of pages: | 544 |
| Hardcover price: | $18.99 |
| Paperback price: | $10.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 14 - 14 |
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