 “I'm still trudging through my own journey but before I go any further I have to thank you for this book. It has helped my parents realize my struggles, and has helped me recognize the dangers of addiction. I cant thank you enough for this powerful and truly amazing read. I cant tell you how many times I have read it but I can tell you it amazes me every time. I'm able to see me in this book not only because its about addiction but simply because you are able to capture truth and emotion as if it were you who experienced the monster. Once again thank you for this book, it has helped me more than you will ever know.”- Mick, age 15. Reader’s letter (“Crank/Glass”) A book that is unbelievably realistic. By far the first novel that I felt a part of, you never stop learning throughout the book. Please read. -Sara Jean, Cheney, Washington ("Book Review for: Crank." ) When I first read this book it really hit me that these things can happen. It was so realistic and a huge page turner. I wanted to find out more. I have heard of the consequences of doing drugs and have vowed to stay away from them. -Jacqueline, Westland, Michigan (“Book Review for: Crank”) Question 1: How does the contemporary realistic fiction genre help the readers learn about the issues presented, or help them cope themselves?

Continued..  “They are open about showing who they are.” –Ellen Hopkins (“Ellen Hopkins”)  “Teen readers want harder issues and not always a happy ending. Now librarians love my books because I’m getting non-readers to read. Kids tell me, ‘I never finished a book before and I read yours in a day.’” – Ellen Hopkins (“Ellen Hopkins”­)  It is important that these books present "real" young people with the joys, pains, and sorrows contemporary young people can relate to (“Pearson”).  In many of the best and most popular of these books, readers are able to see both things they can identify with and things that allow them access to new perspectives on what life is like (“Pearson”).  Equally significant, readers are often able to find out about how other contemporary young people, who may not share their culture or social situation, respond to the world around them (“Pearson”).  and this is likely due to the fact that these stories reflect contemporary life, take place in familiar settings, and present situations with which the reader can identify (“Pearson”).  One of the purposes for using contemporary realistic fiction, as said by Kent District Library, is to bring understanding to the readers of certain issues that one could go through (“KDL”)  Also used for identifying the complexity of human relationships  (“KDL”)

Questions 2: Why do authors write realistic fiction novels? “Crank began as a personal exploration of the "why's" behind my daughter's decisions, and what part I might have played in them.” –Ellen Hopkins (“Crank/Glass”) “By writing the story from "my daughter's" perspective, I learned a lot, both about her, and about myself. But I also learned a lot about the nature of addiction, and the physiology of this particular substance. For those struggling with similar addictions, there is help, but the road to recovery is not easy. The addict has to want to get well. Rehabilitation cannot be forced.” –Ellen Hopkins (“Crank/Glass”) “For those who love someone struggling with addiction, learn as much as you can about how a substance works on the brain. This will help divorce you from the overwhelming emotion involved.” –Ellen Hopkins (“Crank/Glass”) Q: How is Kristina? Do you still talk to her? A: Kristina is alive. Mostly stays clean, although she has relapsed. She struggles daily to make ends meet and care for the [youngest] two of her five children, who she had after she got out of prison. That is prison, after the jail time in Glass. She has some brain damage and health issues because of her use. Yes we talk, although she lives 500 miles away from me, so we're not close. My hope for her is she'll find a way to return to her art (“FAQ's”).

Continued.. Where do you get your inspiration for your stories? Are they all based on real life experiences? A: The Kristina books are based on my family's real life experiences. The others are totally fiction, although there are threads of real people/situations in them. Inspiration comes from many places. Friends. Family. In the news. And yes, sometimes from readers.( “FAQ's”) Author's Purpose: To inform ("Authors Purpose." ) "Have you ever had so much to say that your mouth closed up tight struggling to harness the nuclear force coalescing within your words? Have you ever had so many thoughts churning inside you that you didn’t dare let them escape in case they blew you wide open? Have you ever been so angry that you couldn’t look in the mirror for fear of finding the face of evil glaring back at you?" — Ellen Hopkins (Crank) ("Ellen Hopkins quotes." )Ellen HopkinsCrank

Works cited "Authors Purpose." AlgebraLAB: Making Math and Science Connections. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Mar "Book Review for: Crank." Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Mar "Crank/Glass." Ellen Hopkins. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Feb "Ellen Hopkins quotes." Share Book Recommendations With Your Friends, Join Book Clubs, Answer Trivia. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Mar "Ellen Hopkins." Patricia M. Newman, Official Website. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Feb "FAQ's." Ellen Hopkins. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Feb "KDL | Main / Realistic Fiction." KDL | Main / KDL Wiki. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Feb "Pearson." Prentice hall. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb