Here are the responses I received about the book Crank by Ellen Hopkins. I have a
parent wanting it removed from the shelves. Thank you to all who responded, and
I'm sure you'll be hearing from me again!
Kim Smith-Harber
Salem High School
Salem, Arkansas
Library Media Specialist
ksmith@salem.ncsc.k12.ar.us
These are the citations listed by Baker and Taylor, my book jobber:
Review Citations:
Kentucky Bluegrass Book Award Nominees (All Grades) 2004 (And
Ongoing)
Best Books For High School Readers: Grades 9-12 (2006) (Supplement
To First Edition)
Best Books For Middle And Junior High Readers: Grades 6-9 (2006)
(Supplement To First Edition)
CLS Opening Day Collections Audit-June 2002 (And Ongoing)
Fast Facts - January 2007 #3
Actually it was pretty popular in my library for a while. I just
checked and it's out right now so still getting read. There are any
number of students who like to read about "kids with messed up lives"
- when I asked last year why they wanted to read those books one said
it was because it made her life not seem so hard. I'd fight to keep it.
I honestly would not have this
book in middle school, and it is more appropriate for high school. Even in
high school, it would depend on the student and if they are mature enough to
handle reading the book. I definitely think that this book is not for everyone.
I would definitely read this book before giving it to one particular student
and/or having it in your collection (it may work for one population and not for
another).
It is a rough one but my comments to a parent would include the fact
that our population is diverse and we are trying to reach the reluctant
readers. When students check out the Hopkins books or any others I know
are edgy I tell them. They then are aware and it is there choice to take
it. Of course you can't know them all.
Regarding the title CRANK--
Annotation:
Kristina is a quiet high school junior with good grades until the day she
visits her usually absent father who introduces her to crystal
methamphetamines. Kristina's alter-ego, named Bree, emerges when Kristina is
on crystal meth - a fearless woman who will do anything to get more of the
drug. Kristina/Bree begins to focus her efforts at meeting other users, and
soon learns how to attract the attentions of men who are generous with their
drugs. After Kristina is raped by her drug dealer and becomes pregnant as a
result of it, she tries to clean up, but the efforts fail. Eventually
Kristina meets her father once again, who has become homeless, strung-out,
and is suffering from a severe drug problem.
Has the parent read it? It reads more like a cautionary tale than like a
tantilizing story of 'sex, drugs and rock and roll'! Hopkins might as well have
called it Don't Let This Happen to YOU!
I read it & sent it to the high school (don't know what review I read that made me
think it might be appropriate for middle school). I definitely think that it is
appropriate for high school for several reasons:
1. The writing is phenomenal! The intricacy of writing poems within poems that
carry a narrative makes the writing some of the best I've ever read.
2. The subject, though gruesome, is one that students today have to deal with --
much as we and their parents might wish that they didn't.
3. After reading the horrors of what the protagonist went through, I wouldn't
touch cocaine for anything (not that I would have before, but you know what I
mean). I would think it would have the same effect on students who read it.
4. Books allow readers to experience vicariously what they cannot, will not, or
should not experience themselves. This one fits that bill to a tee. I would want
my child to read it for the vicarious experience. I would read it with him so we
could discuss how horrible that experience is and how devastating drug addiction
can be. Easier to say no than to become addicted & try to stay clean.
Finally, I always offer parents the opportunity to "control" what their own child
reads by making a notation on the child's computer record. I hope you have a
reconsideration policy.
I thought the book was awful myself. In fact, I was unable to get through it. My
objection wasn't content, I just thought it was poorly written. I am sure the
parent is objecting to the content, though, not the literary quality.
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