Tricks

Discussion page for //Tricks//. Of all of Ellen Hopkins books, I think that Tricks is the most difficult to read and keep the characters straight. The story talks about 5 (I think) kids and their pathways into prostitution. Each section is about a different kid and it cycles through the kids repeatedly telling their story from their point of view. Like always, Hopkins creates her poetry in a manner that flows from one section to another and it just kind of works, but this many stories are a lot to juggle. I do think that it will appeal to some 9-12 graders, but several of my Ellen Hopkins-loving students have expressed disappointment with this title. I don't think that this should make the final 13. Sharon Flesher - Nashua South

I have read all of the Ellen Hopkin's books, and I like this least of all. It had 5 characters to keep straight and some of it was so manipulative it made me angry. I felt dirty after I read it, and I have read other books with this topic and didn't feel that way. I strongly hope this does not make the final list. ~Kathy Watson, Kimball Library

I like the 5 different points of view, and the topic is one the kids are interested in. We have four copies and cannot keep them on the shelf. It's her latest book so I'd rather see this on the list than Identical if we were going to add one of hers to the list. The book already goes out a lot so do we need the Flume to promote it more? -Kelly Budd, KHS