Tricks

Author: Ellen Hopkins
Completed: 9/29/09

This book is another one of Ms. Hopkins wonderful works of poetry, yet told a very striking story. This volume tells the story of a set of very different teenagers who find themselves in remarkably similar situations. Each comes from a different background, and make trips to the same destination based on their circumstances. Yet the stories all become intertwined, more so than originally disclosed.

I was probably disturbed by the story of this book than any other I have yet read by this author. While all of her books focus on teenagers in dangerous or disturbing situations, this one explored what to me is an even darker topic. If a teenager were to read this, they need to understand that it is a story of what not to do and not try to emulate it. Although fiction, it provided a stark view of reality for many teens.

10 words or less: A stark look at a disturbing subject matter.