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Kristen's Reviews > Crank
Crank (Crank, #1)
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I wrote this review from the perspective of an educator, so it might be more beneficial for teachers :)
I feel bad saying this because of the dark, sad, content, but this was an amazing book! I typically read Go Ask Alice with my 11th/12th graders because of the detailed description of the main character's drug use and ultimate downward spiral. I think it is an important book to share because of the impressionable and exploratory stage my students are at. After reading Crank, I would not be opposed to reading it with my class instead of Go Ask Alice (maybe switch between the two). There are several reasons why I might do this, one being that Go Ask Alice seems dated to many of my students now. There are references and certain language used in the book that my students didn't understand. Another reason is the unique format in which Crank is written. Go Ask Alice is written in a pretty simple diary format, whereas Crank is written more like poems. I feel like my students would benefit from reading a novel in this type of format because it can be easily connected to: other poems about drug abuse, ELA poetry terms, songs about drug abuse, etc. Lastly, of recent, meth seems to have grown in popularity. It would be beneficial for my students to see how all consuming and life changing meth addiction can be.
In saying all of this, I am not trying to downplay Go Ask Alice, and will still be using it in my classroom. It is a superbly realistic and terrifying book in its own right. But, if you need to work in some 'poetry' in your classroom, or need to switch up your books, then I recommend giving Crank a try.
*If I do use this in my classroom I would be sending a letter home to parents beforehand. This book deals with weighty topics like: sex, drugs, abortion, family relationships, etc.
I feel bad saying this because of the dark, sad, content, but this was an amazing book! I typically read Go Ask Alice with my 11th/12th graders because of the detailed description of the main character's drug use and ultimate downward spiral. I think it is an important book to share because of the impressionable and exploratory stage my students are at. After reading Crank, I would not be opposed to reading it with my class instead of Go Ask Alice (maybe switch between the two). There are several reasons why I might do this, one being that Go Ask Alice seems dated to many of my students now. There are references and certain language used in the book that my students didn't understand. Another reason is the unique format in which Crank is written. Go Ask Alice is written in a pretty simple diary format, whereas Crank is written more like poems. I feel like my students would benefit from reading a novel in this type of format because it can be easily connected to: other poems about drug abuse, ELA poetry terms, songs about drug abuse, etc. Lastly, of recent, meth seems to have grown in popularity. It would be beneficial for my students to see how all consuming and life changing meth addiction can be.
In saying all of this, I am not trying to downplay Go Ask Alice, and will still be using it in my classroom. It is a superbly realistic and terrifying book in its own right. But, if you need to work in some 'poetry' in your classroom, or need to switch up your books, then I recommend giving Crank a try.
*If I do use this in my classroom I would be sending a letter home to parents beforehand. This book deals with weighty topics like: sex, drugs, abortion, family relationships, etc.
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David - proud Gleeman in Branwen's adventuring party
(last edited Oct 05, 2015 04:26AM)
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Oct 05, 2015 04:26AM
This is so cool, seeing reviews I originally missed because they were written at a much sadder time (and by that, I mean a time before I met you)!
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David "proud member of Branwen's adventuring party" wrote: "This is so cool, seeing reviews I originally missed because they were written at a much sadder time (and by that, I mean a time before I met you)!"Awww, David :) You are a day brightener!
I think it's an excellent book in verse, and Ellen Hopkins is an amazing writer. There are real life lessons to be learned from CRANK and many educational opportunities you could take advantage of. I teach freshman English and have for 24 years now, so while I have recommended the book to some students I do think it's a bit mature to use for them in the classroom.
Hopkins has personally experienced the devastation of drugs via her daughter, so that makes CRANK all the more interesting to me. She had an uncanny innate way of reaching young people. Perhaps it's the subject matter it it could be they can read poetry and understand it.
I'd love to hear how it goes when (if) you teach it. Based on the many students and my own grandchildren who've read it, it's sure to be a winner!! Good luck!
Vicki wrote: "I think it's an excellent book in verse, and Ellen Hopkins is an amazing writer. There are real life lessons to be learned from CRANK and many educational opportunities you could take advantage of...."Thanks for your comment, Vicki. Yeah, I would definitely NOT teach Crank in a 9th grade classroom. I feel you are right in saying it is too mature. My 12th graders on the other hand seem to be able to handle it and appreciate it. This is my second year using Crank in my classroom, and the response seems more positive than negative.
