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Ellen Hopkins Books in Order

The complete guide to Ellen Hopkins's hard-hitting novels in verse, including the Crank and Impulse series, with reading orders and summaries.

Last updated: December 18, 2025

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44 books

The Colliding Worlds of Mina Lee

by Ellen Hopkins

2024

A teenage artist finds her reality upended when she is pulled into the world of her own webcomic. There, she must team up with a boy she created to face down a villainous corporation and find a way back home.

Sync

by Ellen Hopkins

2024

Seventeen-year-old twins Storm and Lake are separated by the foster care system, living parallel but disconnected lives. This novel in verse follows their individual struggles with abuse and the system as they fight to find their way back to each other.

What About Will

by Ellen Hopkins

2021

Trace loves his older brother Will, but a traumatic brain injury has changed Will into a volatile stranger. Told from Trace's perspective, this middle-grade novel deals with the heartbreak of watching a sibling spiral into addiction and anger.

Closer to Nowhere

by Ellen Hopkins

2020

Cousins Hannah and Cal are forced to live together after Cal's mother dies and his father goes to prison. This middle-grade novel in verse explores PTSD, family tension, and the difficult road to understanding and accepting one another.

Sanctuary Highway

by Ellen Hopkins

2019

In a dystopian, militarized version of the United States, two teens forced onto the run must navigate a dangerous landscape to survive. They embark on a high-stakes journey for freedom in a country that has turned against its own people.

Freed to Love

by Ellen Hopkins

2019

A five-week bible study guide focusing on the Book of Romans. It explores themes of grace, freedom, and love within a Christian theological framework.

Scripture Confident through the Bible

by Ellen Hopkins

2018

A comprehensive study guide designed to help readers navigate the Bible systematically. It offers tools for understanding scripture and building confidence in independent bible study.

People Kill People

by Ellen Hopkins

2018

Six teenagers dealing with white supremacy, violence, and fear find their lives intersecting in a tragedy involving a gun. The story unravels the complex chain of events and choices that lead to a single, irrevocable moment of violence.

A Sin Such as This

by Ellen Hopkins

2018

In this sequel to *Love Lies Beneath*, the tangled web of secrets around Tara and Cavin tightens. With danger closing in, Tara must navigate the consequences of her choices in a thriller where no one is innocent.

The You I've Never Known

by Ellen Hopkins

2017

Ariel has spent her life moving from town to town with her controlling father, believing her mother abandoned them. When she finally puts down roots, she uncovers lies about her past that challenge everything she knows about who she is.

Traffick

by Ellen Hopkins

2015

The sequel to *Tricks* follows the survivors as they try to escape the life of sex trafficking. Even after finding physical safety, the psychological scars run deep, and they must fight to reclaim their bodies and their futures.

Love Lies Beneath

by Ellen Hopkins

2015

Tara Daniels thinks she has found the perfect man in Dr. Cavin Lattimore, but his charm hides a dark, controlling streak. This adult thriller traces a romance that spirals into a game of manipulation, where nothing is quite what it seems.

Rumble

by Ellen Hopkins

2014

Matthew Turner questions everything—his faith, his family, and his future—after his younger brother's suicide. Struggling with guilt and the bullying that led to the tragedy, he tries to find a reason to keep going when his world feels empty.

Smoke

by Ellen Hopkins

2013

In the sequel to *Burned*, Pattyn Von Stratten is on the run, trying to rebuild her life from the ashes of tragedy. But the past refuses to stay buried, and she must face the consequences of her rebellion to find true freedom.

Tilt

by Ellen Hopkins

2012

A YA companion to *Triangles*, this novel explores the lives of three teens connected to the adult characters. They deal with pregnancy, illness, and love as their world tilts off its axis, forcing them to find stability in the chaos.

Collateral

by Ellen Hopkins

2012

Ashley Patterson falls for a Marine, but his deployments to a war zone leave her waiting at home, dealing with the fear and distance. This adult novel explores the strain military service places on relationships and the hidden costs of war.

Triangles

by Ellen Hopkins

2011

Three female friends face midlife crises involving marriage, weight loss, and parenting in this adult novel in verse. As their lives intersect and unravel, they are forced to confront the choices they've made and the secrets they keep.

Perfect

by Ellen Hopkins

2011

In this companion to *Impulse*, four teens grapple with the pressure to be perfect in a world that refuses to let them be themselves. As they chase their dreams, they must decide if achieving their goals is worth the cost of their happiness.

Fallout

by Ellen Hopkins

2010

The shadow of addiction reaches the next generation as Kristina's three eldest children navigate their own turbulent lives. Raised in different homes with different struggles, they must confront the family demons that threaten to pull them down the same destructive path.

Tricks

by Ellen Hopkins

2009

Five teenagers from different walks of life are lured into the gritty, dangerous world of sex trafficking. Through their distinct voices, the story reveals how easily love and trust can be manipulated to trap the vulnerable in a nightmare.

United States Air Force

by Ellen Hopkins

2008

A detailed look at the U.S. Air Force, its history, and its capabilities. The book covers the aircraft, personnel, and missions that define this branch of the military.

U. S. Air Force Fighting Vehicles

by Ellen Hopkins

2008

A nonfiction catalog of the combat vehicles used by the U.S. Air Force. It features descriptions of fighter jets, bombers, and other specialized aircraft.

Identical

by Ellen Hopkins

2008

Kaeleigh and Raeanne are identical twins hiding a dark home life behind a facade of perfection. As one sister spirals into drugs and the other into self-harm, a disturbing family secret threatens to tear them—and their sanity—apart completely.

Impulse

by Ellen Hopkins

2007

Three teens with nothing in common but their suicide attempts meet in a psychiatric hospital. As Conner, Tony, and Vanessa reveal the secrets that brought them there, they form a fragile bond that might be their only hope for survival.

Glass

by Ellen Hopkins

2007

Kristina thinks she can control the monster, but now she has a baby and the stakes are higher. This sequel charts her desperate attempts to balance motherhood with an addiction that demands more of her every day, shattering her promises and her life.

Burned

by Ellen Hopkins

2006

Pattyn Von Stratten questions the strict, abusive religious rules of her household and is exiled to rural Nevada as punishment. There, she finds love and a sense of self, but her newfound freedom puts her on a collision course with the family she left behind.

Telescopes

by Ellen Hopkins

2004

A book explaining how telescopes work and their importance in astronomy. It details different types of telescopes and how they have helped humans explore the cosmos.

Mysteries in Space

by Ellen Hopkins

2004

A children's book exploring the unexplained phenomena and vast unknowns of the universe. It touches on topics like black holes and the search for extraterrestrial life.

Lights in the Sky

by Ellen Hopkins

2004

A nonfiction book about various celestial phenomena visible from Earth. It discusses auroras, meteors, and other natural light displays in the atmosphere and space.

Inside a Star

by Ellen Hopkins

2004

An educational science book explaining the life cycle and composition of stars. It breaks down complex astronomical concepts for a young audience.

Crank

by Ellen Hopkins

2004

Kristina Snow is the perfect daughter until a summer visit to her father introduces her to the "monster"—crystal meth. Under its influence, she becomes the wild and reckless Bree, launching a struggle for her soul that threatens to destroy everything she was.

Are We Alone?

by Ellen Hopkins

2004

A young reader's investigation into the possibility of life on other planets. It discusses the scientific search for extraterrestrial intelligence and the conditions needed for life.

U.S. Armed Forces

by Ellen Hopkins

2003

A general introduction to the different branches of the United States military. It provides young readers with basic information about the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.

Storming the Skies

by Ellen Hopkins

2003

A nonfiction book for young readers about military aviation and the history of aerial warfare. It covers significant aircraft and the role of air power in conflicts.

United States Special Forces

by Ellen Hopkins

2002

An educational overview of the special operations units within the U.S. military. It describes their training, missions, and the specialized roles they play in national defense.

The Thunderbirds

by Ellen Hopkins

2001

A look at the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds. This book for young readers details the team's history, their precision flying maneuvers, and the aircraft they fly.

The Golden Knights

by Ellen Hopkins

2001

A children's book profiling the U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights. It explains their role in aerial demonstrations, competitions, and their history as elite parachutists.

Freshwater Fishing

by Ellen Hopkins

2001

A guide for young anglers about fishing in lakes, rivers, and streams. It explains the gear needed, different freshwater fish species, and tips for a successful catch.

Fly Fishing

by Ellen Hopkins

2001

An introductory guide for children on the sport of fly fishing. It covers the basic equipment, techniques, and types of fish typically caught using this method.

Countdown to Yesterday

by Ellen Hopkins

2001

A nonfiction title for young readers exploring Earth's prehistoric past. It discusses geological eras, dinosaurs, and the ancient history of the planet before human civilization.

Canopies in the Clouds

by Ellen Hopkins

2001

A nonfiction educational book introducing young readers to the ecosystem of Earth's rainforests. It covers the unique flora and fauna found in the canopy layer and the importance of these environments.

Tarnished Legacy

by Ellen Hopkins

2000

A nonfiction account exploring the history of the Comstock Lode and the silver mining boom in Nevada. It details the rise and fall of Virginia City and the impact of the mining industry on the region.

Orcas: High Seas Supermen

by Ellen Hopkins

2000

An educational book for young readers about killer whales, exploring their biology, social structures, and hunting behaviors. It provides facts and insights into the lives of these powerful marine mammals.

Air Devils

by Ellen Hopkins

2000

A children's nonfiction book about the daring world of stunt pilots, sky racers, and sky divers. It profiles the history and excitement of aerial acrobatics and the pilots who push the limits of flight.

Where should I start?

For her most iconic work on addiction: CrankGlassFallout

For a high-stakes story about mental health: ImpulsePerfect

For a gripping tale of religious rebellion: BurnedSmoke

Author bio

Ellen Hopkins is a major name in the world of young adult literature, best known for writing stories that are raw, honest, and often heartbreaking. Her books do not shy away from the dark corners of life. Instead, they shine a light on the difficult realities that many teenagers face every day, from addiction to mental health struggles.

Her journey to becoming a bestselling author started in Palm Springs, California. Born in 1955, she was adopted at birth. Her parents were older, and they raised her with a deep respect for books and education. She grew up surrounded by literature, which sparked a love for reading and writing that would last a lifetime.

Before she became famous for her novels, Hopkins was a working writer. She spent years freelancing for various newspapers and magazines to pay the bills. She also published a wide variety of nonfiction books for children. These were educational books about science, nature, and history. It was a solid career, but it wasn't where her heart would eventually land.

The shift to fiction happened because of a personal tragedy.

Her life turned upside down when her own teenage daughter began struggling with a severe addiction to crystal meth. The situation brought chaos, fear, and pain into their home. Hopkins needed a way to process the emotions consuming her family. She needed to try to understand what was happening to her child and why.

Writing became her outlet. She channeled those heavy emotions into a story that eventually became Crank.

Published in 2004, Crank was an instant hit. It told the story of a high-achieving girl whose life spirals out of control after she meets "the monster" of addiction. But what made the book stand out wasn't just the subject matter. It was the way it was written.

Hopkins wrote the novel in free verse. This means the story looks more like a long series of poems than a standard book with paragraphs. The pages have a lot of white space. The text is sparse, visual, and rhythmic.

This style became her signature. Readers loved it because it felt urgent and fast. The jagged lines on the page mirrored the jagged, confused emotions of the characters. It made heavy, long books feel accessible and almost impossible to put down.

Since that breakout success, Hopkins has continued to tackle tough subjects. She has written about suicide attempts in Impulse, religious extremism in Burned, and teen trafficking in Tricks. She refuses to give her characters easy answers or fairytale endings. She knows that real life is messy, and she respects her young readers enough to tell them the truth.

Because her books deal with drugs, sex, and trauma, they are frequently challenged or banned in schools and libraries. Hopkins has become a fierce advocate for freedom of speech. She believes that hiding these topics doesn't protect kids; it just leaves them unprepared. She frequently speaks with students and defends the right of teenagers to read about their own realities.

Today, Hopkins lives in the high desert of northern Nevada. She shares her home with her husband and extended family. She remains deeply connected to the issues she writes about, staying engaged with her readers and continuing to produce stories that challenge and comfort them.

Edited by

Richard Reis

Software engineer whose passion for tracking book recommendations from podcasts inspired the creation of MRB.

Anurag Ramdasan

Lead investor at 3one4 Capital whose startup expertise and love for books helped shaped MRB and its growth.

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All 44 Ellen Hopkins Books in Order (Complete List 2026)