The Missouri Reader Vol. 37, Issue 1 | Page 18

experiences. No matter what the reading level, this book has something to offer every reader. Hopkins, E. (2004). Crank. Along with everything that she has ever written, this is an amazing book. This novel, as well as the two that follow it, chronicles the life of Kristina Snow, a teenage girl who becomes addicted to methamphetamine and learns the monster that someone with this lifechanging addiction can become. The story is loosely based on Hopkins‘s own daughter, who became addicted to meth and lost her family, her children, and basically, her whole life. This is a great story for anyone. It is a quick read and has a 4.4 Grade Level Equivalent, but is definitely not intended for a fourth grader. The novel is written completely in poetic form and uses various techniques to tell the story in different ways. This opens up a plethora of teaching opportunities focusing on style, format, word choice, narration, characterization, and can be discussed as in depth as needed based on the students‘ abilities as readers. I personally believe this should be a staple in every school as a wake-up call to all students about the dangers of \