Common Sense Media Review
By Kate Pavao
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Intense poems of meth addiction; read with teens.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 19 parent reviews
Based on 37 kid reviews
Kids say this book is a powerful read that candidly explores the harsh realities of drug addiction and its consequences, making it an educational resource for teens and young adults. Many reviewers highlighted its gritty portrayal of substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and the emotional turmoil faced by the protagonist, emphasizing its ability to initiate important conversations between teens and parents about the dangers of drugs.
- drug addiction
- educational resource
- teen pregnancy
- emotional turmoil
- conversations encouraged
- gritty portrayal
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
This is a sequel to Hopkins' popular Crank, a book she based on her daughter's battle with the drug. This installment is also told through spare verse, and it also centers on Kristina. At the beginning of the book, Kristina gets back into methamphetamine -- smoking a higher grade called Glass -- and quickly loses control, starting a new dangerous downward spiral. This time around things are much darker for Kristina. She is kicked out of her home, loses custody of her infant son, and eventually begins committing crimes with her addict boyfriend in order to support their habits.
Is It Any Good?
While young readers may be drawn in by the titillating material, Hopkins just has a remarkable gift for conveying lots of story, character, and emotion through her simple lines. Readers will find themselves caring for Kristina and her family, even though they know she is doomed.
Hopkins' daughter is a recovering meth addict and this book is based on her experiences -- another fact that may draw teen fans. Of course, careful readers will understand that Hopkins is making a point about addictions: It doesn't end when the book does.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the popularity of the series. If your kids read her first book, Crank, they can compare and contrast the two -- did they learn anything new about Kristina, her family, or drug abuse?
Hopkins' books are controversial -- and often challenged. Should teens be allowed to read whatever they want? If not, who should decide what's appropriate?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster
- Publication date : August 21, 2007
- Number of pages : 688
- Last updated : September 22, 2015
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