I know my comment is a little late, sorry.
We have had this book in our library and it has been wildly popular with
both male and female students. It has been so popular that I have had 5
copies stolen. I have replaced them because there are so many kids who
want to read it.
We had the author come for a visit and she really got the kids revved up
about reading her books. She does others, Burned, Glass and Impulse.
Before she started these books she did a zillion non-fiction books.
The story of Crank comes from her own daughter's descent into hell after
getting introduced to Crank. The story is heart breaking and as a
parent, I was nearly in tears when I heard her talk. I have a daughter
about the same age, who, THANK GOD, is doing well and addiction free.
The books are written in a free-verse style, sort of like poetry. The
words on the page are few and the story is powerful. Because the style
of word placement on the page the books are amazingly easy and fast to
read. Many reluctant readers LOVE them because of the simplicity.
Personally I would not have them on a lower middle school shelf (5, 6)
but I think it would be OK for 7th and up.
-----Original Message-----
From: School Library Media & Network Communications
[mailto:LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU] On Behalf Of Kim Smith-Harbor
Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2007 11:36 AM
To: LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
Subject: ***SPAM ALERT***HIT:Responses about Crank by Ellen Hopkins
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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