Ellen Hopkins is a New York Times bestselling author known for her young adult novels written in verse. Her groundbreaking style of storytelling tackles difficult topics such as drug addiction, mental illness, and abuse, making her work both challenging and impactful for readers of all ages.
Ellen Hopkins was born in 1955 and raised in California.
She began her writing career as a freelance journalist, writing for publications such as The San Francisco Chronicle and The Detroit Free Press.
Her first novel, Crank, was published in 2004 and was based on her daughter's struggles with addiction.
Since then, she has published multiple bestselling novels, many of which have won awards and been translated into over 20 languages.
In addition to writing, Hopkins is also a public speaker and advocate for literacy and mental health awareness.
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Crank is Hopkins' debut novel and is based on her daughter's struggles with addiction. The novel is written in verse and follows the story of a teenage girl named Kristina who becomes addicted to crystal meth.
Identical is a novel written in verse that explores the relationship between twin sisters, one of whom accuses the other of sexual abuse. The novel tackles themes of identity, trauma, and mental illness.
Burned is a novel written in verse that follows the story of a teenage girl named Pattyn who must navigate the challenges of growing up in a strict religious household. The novel explores themes of abuse, awakening, and empowerment.
Ellen Hopkins' writing style is unique in that she writes her young adult novels in verse rather than traditional prose. Her style is often described as raw and powerful, allowing her to tackle difficult topics with honesty and impact.
Ellen Hopkins' novels are generally marketed toward young adults and are appropriate for readers ages 13 and up. However, due to the mature themes and content of her work, it is recommended that parents/readers use discretion when selecting her books.
Ellen Hopkins' work often explores difficult topics such as addiction, mental illness, abuse, and trauma. Her novels also frequently touch on themes of identity, love, and family relationships.
Yes, Ellen Hopkins has won multiple awards for her writing, including the Printz Honor award and the National Coalition Against Censorship Freedom to Read award.
Yes, Ellen Hopkins is a strong advocate for mental health and literacy awareness. She is involved with several organizations, including NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and Litquake, which promotes literacy in San Francisco schools.