Ellen Hopkins Books

Exploring the deep emotional connection between two brothers, this middle grade novel in verse captures their tender relationship and the challenges they face together. Through heartfelt storytelling, the narrative delves into themes of love and resilience, showcasing the unique bond that defines their lives. Ellen Hopkins, a bestselling author, brings a poignant and relatable experience for young readers, making it a touching addition to her body of work.

"Perfect on the outside, but behind the Normal Rockwell facades, each holds its secrets. Dark, untellable. Practically unbelievable." -- IDENTICAL Kaeleigh and Raeanne are 16-year-old identical twins, the daughters of a district court judge father and politician mother running for US Congress. Everything on the surface seems fine, but underneath run very deep and damaging secrets. What really happened when the girls were 7 years old in that car accident that Daddy caused? And why is Mom never home, always running far away to pursue some new dream? Raeanne goes after painkillers, drugs, alcohol, and sex to dull her pain and anger. Kaeleigh always tries so hard to be the good girl -- her father's perfect little flower. But when the girls were 9, Daddy started to turn to his beloved Kaeleigh in ways a father never should and has been sexually abusing her for years. For Raeanne, she needs to numb the pain of not being Daddy's favorite; for Kaeleigh, she wants to do everything she can to feel something normal, even if it means cutting herself and vomiting after every binge. How Kaeleigh and Raeanne figure out just what it means to be whole again when their entire world has been torn to shreads is the guts and heart of this powerful, disturbing, and utterly remarkable book.

The story follows five teenagers who have been victims of sex trafficking as they navigate their path toward healing and a new life. This gripping narrative serves as a companion to the bestselling Tricks, delving into the harsh realities they face and their struggles to reclaim their identities and futures. Ellen Hopkins, known for her powerful storytelling, explores themes of resilience, hope, and the quest for freedom in a world filled with challenges.

Kristina's descent continues in the New York Times bestselling sequel to Crank, now with a refreshed look and a trade paperback trim size. One little bit, my heart revs high, then settles into quick- step mode. How I've missed that race and pound. How I've missed the lack of control. Crank. Glass. Ice. Crystal. Whatever you call it, it's all the same: a monster. Kristina thinks she can control it. Now with a baby to care for, she is determined to be the one deciding when and how much, the one calling the shots. But the monster is strong, and before she knows it, Kristina is back in its grip...and it won't let go. The sequel to Crank, this is the continuing story of Kristina and her descent back to hell.

Five troubled teenagers fall into prostitution as they search for freedom, safety, community, family, and love.

The story follows twins Storm and Lake, who are torn apart when placed in different foster homes. As they navigate their new lives, they grapple with feelings of isolation and the longing for connection. Their journey explores themes of love, resilience, and the deep bond of siblinghood as they strive to reunite and support one another in the face of adversity.

In this gripping companion to "Burned," Pattyn Von Stratten is on the run after her father's death and years of abuse. Seeking peace, she disguises herself as a migrant worker in California. As she navigates her painful past and the lies surrounding her, Pattyn strives to rebuild her life and find hope for the future.

#1 New York Times bestselling author Ellen Hopkins's poignant middle grade novel in verse about coming to terms with indelible truths of family and belonging. For the most part, Hannah's life is just how she wants it. She has two supportive parents, she's popular at school, and she's been killing it at gymnastics. But when her cousin Cal moves in with her family, everything changes. Cal tells half-truths and tall tales, pranks Hannah constantly, and seems to be the reason her parents are fighting more and more. Nothing is how it used to be. She knows that Cal went through a lot after his mom died and she is trying to be patient, but most days Hannah just wishes Cal never moved in. For his part, Cal is trying his hardest to fit in, but not everyone is as appreciative of his unique sense of humor and storytelling gifts as he is. Humor and stories might be his defense mechanism, but if Cal doesn't let his walls down soon, he might push away the very people who are trying their best to love him. Told in verse from the alternating perspectives of Hannah and Cal, this is a story of two cousins who are more alike than they realize and the family they both want to save.

The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of three teens whose lives are shaped by their parents' mistakes. Shane navigates the excitement of his first boyfriend, while Mikayla grapples with the consequences of love taken to extremes. Meanwhile, Harley embarks on a journey of self-discovery as she seeks new experiences, highlighting the complexities of adolescence and the impact of familial choices on personal growth and relationships.

In this riveting and startling companion to "Impulse," northern Nevada teenagers Cara, Kendra, Sean, and Andre, tell in their own voices of their very different paths toward perfection and how their goals change when tragedy strikes.

Written in free verse, explores how three teenagers try to cope with the consequences of their mother's addiction to crystal meth and its effects on their lives.

When Pattyn Von Stratten is sent to live with an aunt she doesn't know in rural Nevada as a punishment for being expelled from school, she finds acceptance and love until her old demons come back to haunt her.

Three teens who meet at Reno, Nevada's Aspen Springs mental hospital after each has attempted suicide connect with each other in a way they never have with their parents or anyone else in their lives.

In Crank, Ellen Hopkins chronicles the turbulent and often disturbing relationship between Kristina, a character based on her own daughter, and the "monster," the highly addictive drug crystal meth, or "crank." Kristina is introduced to the drug while visiting her largely absent and ne'er-do-well father. While under the influence of the monster, Kristina discovers her sexy alter-ego, Bree: "there is no perfect daughter, / no gifted high school junior, / no Kristina Georgia Snow. / There is only Bree." Bree will do all the things good girl Kristina won't, including attracting the attention of dangerous boys who can provide her with a steady flow of crank.

Can an atheist be saved? The New York Times bestselling author of Crank and Tricks explores the highly charged landscapes of faith and forgiveness with brilliant sensitivity and emotional resonance. "There is no God, no benevolent ruler of the earth, no omnipotent grand poobah of countless universes. Because if there was ... my little brother would still be fishing or playing basketball instead of fertilizing cemetery vegetation." Matthew Turner doesn't have faith in anything. Not in family—his is a shambles after his younger brother was bullied into suicide. Not in so-called friends who turn their backs when things get tough. Not in some all-powerful creator who lets too much bad stuff happen. And certainly not in some "It Gets Better" psychobabble. No matter what his girlfriend Hayden says about faith and forgiveness, there's no way Matt's letting go of blame. He's decided to "live large and go out with a huge bang," and whatever happens happens. But when a horrific event plunges Matt into a dark, silent place, he hears a rumble … a rumble that wakes him up, calling everything he's ever disbelieved into question.

The book is praised for its honest and empowering narrative, offering readers a profound exploration of personal growth and resilience. Through relatable experiences and insightful reflections, it encourages individuals to embrace their truths and find strength in vulnerability. The themes resonate deeply, making it a compelling read for those seeking inspiration and motivation in their own journeys.

Set against a backdrop of complex themes, this young adult novel explores the intricacies of identity, relationships, and societal expectations. With compelling characters who navigate the challenges of adolescence, it delves into provocative topics that resonate with today's youth. The engaging storyline promises to captivate readers, making it a standout choice for those seeking a thought-provoking and emotional journey.

How do you live your life if your past is based on a lie? Find out in this “satisfied and moving story” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) in both verse and prose from #1 New York Times bestselling author Ellen Hopkins. For as long as she can remember, it’s been just Ariel and Dad. Ariel’s mom disappeared when she was a baby. Dad says home is wherever the two of them are, but Ariel is now seventeen and after years of new apartments, new schools, and new faces, all she wants is to put down some roots. Complicating things are Monica and Gabe, both of whom have stirred a different kind of desire. Maya’s a teenager who’s run from an abusive mother right into the arms of an older man she thinks she can trust. But now she’s isolated with a baby on the way, and life’s getting more complicated than Maya ever could have imagined. Ariel and Maya’s lives collide unexpectedly when Ariel’s mother shows up out of the blue with wild accusations: Ariel wasn’t abandoned. Her father kidnapped her fourteen years ago. In bestselling author Ellen Hopkins’s deft hands, Ariel’s emotionally charged journey to find out the truth of who she really is balances beautifully with Maya’s story of loss and redemption. This is a memorable portrait of two young women trying to make sense of their lives and coming face to face with themselves—for both the last and the very first time.

How often do you find yourself looking in the mirror? And smiling at what you see?More likely, you're thinking what you see Fat, Ugly, Skinny, Round, Stacked or Flat, Bad or Good. From reality television to tabloid headlines, we're all surrounded by weight and discussion of weight. In this collection, a stellar lineup of YA writers sound off on body image., self-esteem, diets, eating disorders, boys, fashion magazines, and why trying on jeans is a bad experience for everyone. There are eight powerful short stories and six moving personal essays from authors whose works include two New York Times bestsellers, a Los Angeles TImes Book Prize, and a Printz Honor; an appendix offers book, movie, and music recommendations. (And in case you're still wondering, No this book does not make you look fat.)

Fans of the literary phenomenon known as the Twilight series can't help wanting more. A New Dawn gives it to them, inviting readers to join some of their favorite YA authors as they look at the series with fresh eyes and fall in love with Edward, Bella, and the rest of Forks, Wash., all over again. Edited by bestselling author Ellen Hopkins, A New Dawn is packed with the same debates readers engage in with friends: Should Bella have chosen Edward or Jacob? How much control do Meyer's vampires and werewolves really have over their own lives? The collection also goes further: Is Edward a romantic or a (really hot) sociopath? How do the Quileute werewolves compare to other Native American wolf myths? What does the Twilight series have in common with Shakespeare? With contributions from Megan McCafferty, Cassandra Clare, Rachel Caine, and many more, A New Dawn answers these questions and more for a teen (and adult!) audience hungry for clever, view-changing commentary on their favorite series.