Glass

Book review by Kate Pavao, Common Sense Media
Glass Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 16+

Intense poems of meth addiction; read with teens.

Ellen Hopkins Coming of Age 2007
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Parents say

age 15+

Based on 20 reviews

Kids say

age 14+

Based on 60 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this book is about a girl's drug addiction: Not only does Kristina use meth constantly, but eventually she also deals it for the Mexican Mafia. There are some fairly graphic depictions of sex, including a first orgasm and having sex with more than one partner. Kristina's drug use gets her kicked out of the house; eventually she loses custody of her young son and begins committing crimes to support her habit (even robbing her mother). By the end of the book, Kristina is pregnant again.

Community Reviews

kRisOto
kRisOto Adult
January 17, 2012
age 11+

Recommend!

This novel is a very wonderful and educational novel. I read it myself and its the type of novel you dont want to put down after you start reading it. The way the author of this book has the text just makes the reader feel part of the book. Reading this book was a wonderful experience for me. I recommend this book to young adults. Parentsmay think that it miht be too graphic and what not but it really shows the consequencs of the drug use of the main character and thats why i say its educational.

This title has:

Educational value
motherof1-2
motherof1-2 Adult
May 13, 2011
age 16+

Perfect for 15+

I loved it. i plan on reading it to mi daughter plenty of times as a way to teacher her the consequences of her actions. the book is a very good teaching tool

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
See all 20 parent reviews

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

Our Editors Recommend

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