I had numerous students that read Crank (by Ellen Hopkins) before I finally set it on my book pile on my dresser. I was particularly thrilled with how quickly I flew through it since it's a series of poems- free verse, shape poems, etc.- that all tell the story of Kristina, AKA Bree. Kristina visits her deadbeat dad one summer for a few weeks and it gives her the opportunity to fall into lust with a cute, dangerous two-timing drug user. Kristina starts to go by Bree when she introduces herself with this fake name to this bad-boy named Adam. Strangely enough, her dad doesn't seem to mind her hanging out with Adam too much as long as it doesn't get in the way of his habits- alcohol, pot & crank. Her dad spends lots of time sleeping off his hangovers and when he's not high (and sometimes even when he is) he works at a local bowling alley.
Kristina becomes hot and heavy with her new squeeze, Adam, but she never actually does the deed with him. But, she does witness Adam's other girlfriend, Lince, land in the hospital after doing too many drugs and taking a flying leap (or trip?) off a balcony onto her head. Adam is obviously torn between the two girls, but somehow he just manages to compartmentalize- and Bree doesn't seem to really mind that much. Adam arouses all kinds of new sensations for Kristina (Bree) as she finds her 'bad' self- snorting powder and fooling around in semi-public and private places.
Kristina finally has to fly home. She realizes that her dad really is a pathetic loser, but she doesn't see any problems with picking up his bad habits. Before she knows it, she's home having problems with her Mom and Stepdad and she's the new center of attention in her hometown. She's dropped weight because she's never hungry (she's using still) and she gets involved with a couple of guys- both of whom she runs into at the town pool. Slowly, what's left of Kristina, fades completely into irritable and dangerous Bree- who's always looking for action.
Bree gets calls from Adam and he continues to tell her that he loves her, but then he talks about he's back together with Lince. Meantime, Bree is on the verge of giving up her V-card, but she can't decide when and which guy- Brendan or Chase- to give it up to. Finally, Brendan makes up her mind for her, when he gets annoyed at her reluctance and rapes her. Only at this point does she realize that Chase is the obvious better pick and she begins spending all of her time with Chase, who is also getting her drugs.
Bree continues her love affair with 'the monster' and she realizes one of her dorky friend's sisters knows where to find more crank. Meantime, Bree's mother is in a state of denial, while her step-father is obviously concerned and tries to make the mother come to. Of course, something in the story has to change in order for Bree to realize she's totally screwing up her life, but it isn't her parents getting tough with her. It's something a little bit more "revealing."
Overall, the book is captivating, but could easily be seen as glorifying the lifestyle of using because the author has a way of making your mouth water for more drama. It also makes you want to rebel a little, but snap out of it when you realize you appreciate having a loving family, trustworthy friends and all of your teeth.
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