Last Updated on May 9, 2025
Ellen Hopkins, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, is renowned for her emotionally raw novels-in-verse that tackle heavy themes like addiction, abuse, mental illness, and identity. Born March 26, 1955, in Long Beach, California, and adopted by Albert and Valeria Wagner, Hopkins grew up in Palm Springs, summering in Napa and Lake Tahoe. She studied journalism at Crafton Hills College and UC Santa Barbara but left to start a family and video store business. After her divorce, she moved to Tahoe, freelanced, and began writing non-fiction for children in 1990. Her debut novel, Crank (2004), inspired by her daughter Cristal’s meth addiction, launched her career in young adult (YA) fiction, written in distinctive free verse. With 37 books—14 YA series novels, three YA standalones, three adult novels, 20 children’s non-fiction, and contributions to anthologies—Hopkins has sold millions, earning awards like the 2005 Charlotte Award (Crank) and a 2015 Nevada Writers Hall of Fame induction. This article lists all her books in publication order, organized by series, standalones, non-fiction, and anthologies, with summaries, publication dates and reading guidance.
Why Read Ellen Hopkins’ Books?
Hopkins’ novels, primarily YA, use poetic verse to explore “taboo” topics—drug addiction, prostitution, suicide—with unflinching honesty, making readers “feel less alone” (TLBranson). Her Crank, Burned, Impulse, and Tricks series focus on teens’ choices and their ripple effects, blending gritty realism with hope (MostRecommendedBooks). Adult novels like Triangles tackle sex and marriage with mature themes. Her work, banned in some schools (e.g., Utah’s Alpine District, 2022, for “prurient” content), resonates with teens and adults for its raw emotion (Wikipedia). Series like Crank require publication order for narrative arcs, while standalones and companion novels (Perfect, Tilt) can be read flexibly. With Sync (September 2024) as her latest, Hopkins’ “gorgeous” verse (Publishers Weekly) captivates fans of Laurie Halse Anderson or Sarah Dessen.
Ellen Hopkins’ Books in Publication Order
As of May 10, 2025, Hopkins has published 37 books: 14 YA series novels (four series), three YA standalones, three adult novels, and 20 children’s non-fiction (out of print, listed separately). She’s also contributed to 11 anthologies (not listed here). Below is the complete list in publication order, grouped by series, standalones, and adult novels, with non-fiction summarized at the end. Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books, Atria, or Penguin, books are available in hardcover ($18–25), paperback, e-book, audiobook (narrated by Kirby Heyborne, Heather Lind, and others), and Kindle Unlimited.
Crank Series (2004–2010)
A trilogy about Kristina Snow’s meth addiction, inspired by Hopkins’ daughter Cristal. Read in order for Kristina’s arc and her children’s stories.
- Crank (October 2004, Margaret K. McElderry Books)
Kristina Snow, 17, becomes “Bree” after trying crystal meth, spiraling into addiction. Written in verse, based on Hopkins’ daughter’s life, it’s a New York Times bestseller (4.16/5 Goodreads). Won the 2005 Charlotte Award. - Glass (August 2007, Margaret K. McElderry Books)
Kristina, now a single mom, relapses, losing control to meth’s “monster.” A raw sequel, praised for its “tortured logic” (AddAll). - Fallout (September 14, 2010, Margaret K. McElderry Books)
Kristina’s three children—Hunter, Autumn, Summer—navigate their fractured lives. The trilogy’s finale, a New York Times bestseller with a 4.26/5 Goodreads rating.
Burned Series (2006–2013)
Two novels about Pattyn Von Stratten’s escape from an abusive, religious family. Read in order for her journey.
- Burned (October 2006, Margaret K. McElderry Books)
Pattyn, raised in a strict Mormon family, questions her faith after a sex dream sparks rebellion and abuse. Exiled to her aunt’s, she finds love but faces tragedy. A New York Times bestseller (4.25/5 Goodreads). - Smoke (September 10, 2013, Margaret K. McElderry Books)
Pattyn, on the run after her father’s death, seeks safety with her sister Jackie, confronting guilt and loss. A “riveting” sequel (Goodreads).
Impulse Series (2007–2011)
Two novels about teens in a psychiatric hospital post-suicide attempts. Perfect is a companion. Read in order for character arcs.
- Impulse (January 2007, Margaret K. McElderry Books)
Vanessa, Tony, and Conner, in Aspen Springs after suicide attempts, share their pain—cutting, pills, perfectionism—in verse. A “gut-wrenching” tale (Publishers Weekly), 2008 Georgia Peach Award winner. - Perfect (September 13, 2011, Margaret K. McElderry Books)
Companion to Impulse. Four teens, including Conner’s sister Cara, chase perfection under parental pressure, facing eating disorders and steroids. A New York Times bestseller (3.95/5 Goodreads).
Tricks Series (2009–2015)
Two novels about five teens drawn into sex trafficking. Read in order for interconnected stories.
- Tricks (August 2009, Margaret K. McElderry Books)
Five teens—Eden, Seth, Whitney, Ginger, Cody—from diverse backgrounds fall into prostitution seeking love or survival. Their stories interweave, earning a 4.27/5 Goodreads rating. - Traffick (November 3, 2015, Margaret K. McElderry Books)
The five teens from Tricks fight to escape trafficking, finding redemption or ruin. A New York Times bestseller (4.28/5 Goodreads).
Triangles Series (2011–2012)
Two novels, one adult (Triangles), one YA (Tilt), exploring love and betrayal. Read in order for character perspectives.
- Triangles (October 2011, Atria Books)
Hopkins’ first adult novel. Three women—Holly, Andrea, Marissa—face midlife crises, infidelity, and sexual exploration. Explicit verse, with a 3.90/5 Goodreads rating. - Tilt (September 11, 2012, Margaret K. McElderry Books)
YA companion to Triangles. Teens Mikayla, Shane, and Harley, linked to the women in Triangles, navigate sex and love’s consequences. A “gripping” novel (4.19/5 Goodreads).
Love Lies Beneath Series (2015–2018)
Two adult novels about Tara’s dangerous romance. Read in order for her story.
- Love Lies Beneath (July 2015, Atria Books)
Tara, a wealthy widow, falls for Cavin, a sociopathic doctor, in a sensual thriller. Hopkins’ second adult novel, with a 3.73/5 Goodreads rating. - A Sin Such as This (October 2018, Atria Books)
Tara’s marriage to Cavin unravels as his lies and her past collide. A “suspenseful” sequel (FictionDB).
Young Adult Standalone Novels (2008–2024)
Three standalone YA novels, readable in any order.
- Identical (August 2008, Margaret K. McElderry Books)
Identical twins Kaeleigh and Raeanne, daughters of a judge and politician, hide family secrets—abuse, eating disorders, self-harm. A New York Times bestseller (4.29/5 Goodreads). - Rumble (August 2014, Margaret K. McElderry Books)
Matthew Turner, grappling with his brother’s suicide after homophobic bullying, questions faith and forgiveness. A “powerful” verse novel (4.05/5 Goodreads). - People Kill People (September 2018, Margaret K. McElderry Books)
Six teens’ lives intersect around a gun, exploring violence, racism, and choice. A New York Times bestseller (3.73/5 Goodreads).
Middle Grade Standalone Novels (2020–2024)
Two middle grade novels, readable in any order.
- Closer to Nowhere (October 2020, Putnam)
Hannah, 12, navigates life with her cousin Cal, a foster kid with trauma, in a verse novel about family and empathy. A 4.26/5 Goodreads rating. - What About Will (September 2021, Putnam)
Trace, 12, copes with his brother Will’s depression after a football injury, learning to seek help. A “heartfelt” middle grade tale (Goodreads).
Young Adult Novel (2024)
One YA novel, her latest work.
- Sync (September 24, 2024, Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Books)
Twins Storm and Lake, 17, separated in foster care, face abuse and assault. Storm’s retaliation lands him in juvie, while Lake finds love. A “wrenching” novel-in-verse (4.78/5 Goodreads).
Children’s Non-Fiction (2000–2008)
Hopkins wrote 20 non-fiction children’s books (ages 8–12), now out of print but available secondhand. Published by Capstone Press, Perfection Learning, or Blackbirch Press, they cover aviation, military, wildlife, and sports. Key titles include:
- Orcas: High Seas Supermen (December 2000, Perfection Learning)
Explores orca behavior and conservation. - Air Devils (December 2000, Perfection Learning)
Chronicles women in aviation history. - U.S. Special Operations Forces (2002, Blackbirch Press)
Details Rangers, SEALs, and Night Stalkers. - U.S. Air Force Fighting Vehicles (2008, Capstone Press)
Examines Air Force technology.
Full list (2000–2008): The Thunderbirds, Canaries and Criminals, Maddie’s Magic Markers, Fly Fishing, Freshwater Fishing, Storming the Skies, Airborne, Tarnished Legacy, United States Air Force, United States Army, United States Navy, Marine Maneuvers, Desert Storm, The Golden Knights, High Seas, Canadian Snowbirds, Saving Spaces, Protecting Places, Exploring Space, The B-2 Bomber. Most are 32–64 pages, priced $5–15 used (ThriftBooks).
Anthology Contributions (2009–2025)
Hopkins contributed to 11 anthologies, including YA short stories or essays, often in verse. Notable titles (not counted in main list):
- Breaking Up Is Hard to Do (2009, Graphia Books)
A short story about heartbreak, with Niki Burnham and others. - Grim (2014, Harlequin Teen)
A dark fairy tale retelling, with Julie Kagawa. - Our Stories, Our Voices (2018, Simon Pulse)
An essay on feminism and injustice, with Amy Reed. - All the Smoke (March 2025, Knopf Books for Young Readers)
A verse contribution with Matt Barnes, releasing soon.
Reading Ellen Hopkins’ Books: Tips and Guidance
- Series Reading Order: Read Crank (1–3), Burned (4–5), Impulse (6–7), Tricks (8–9), Triangles (10–11), and Love Lies Beneath (12–13) in publication order for narrative and character arcs (HowToRead.me). Perfect (7) is a companion to Impulse (6), best read after. Tilt (11) follows Triangles (10) for teen perspectives.
- Standalone Novels: YA standalones (Identical, Rumble, People Kill People) and middle grade (Closer to Nowhere, What About Will) can be read anytime. Sync (19) is a standalone but her latest, ideal for new readers.
- Adult vs. YA: Adult novels (Triangles, Love Lies Beneath, A Sin Such as This) contain explicit content (3/5 spice per romance.io) and suit mature readers. YA novels are gritty but teen-appropriate, with trigger warnings for addiction, abuse, and suicide (TLBranson).
- Content: YA novels feature graphic themes—drug use, sexual abuse, self-harm—with moderate romance and no explicit sex. Middle grade novels are lighter but address trauma. All are written in free verse, with “ambiguous endings” for reflection (MostRecommendedBooks). Suitable for ages 14+ (YA), 10+ (middle grade).
- Starting Point: Begin with Crank (1) for its award-winning impact (152,000+ Goodreads ratings), Impulse (6) for a psychological thriller, or Sync (19) for a recent release. Burned (4) is a fan favorite for its emotional depth (Goodreads).
- Banned Books: Crank, Fallout, Impulse, People Kill People, and Tilt were banned in Utah (2022) for “pornographic” content under H.B. 374, citing LGBTQ+ themes and explicit descriptions (Wikipedia). Check local availability.
- Non-Fiction: Children’s non-fiction (2000–2008) is out of print, best for collectors. Find used copies on ThriftBooks or eBay (ThriftBooks).
- Anthologies: Supplementary reads, available in libraries or secondhand. All the Smoke (2025) is upcoming, pre-orderable (Amazon).
Where to Find Ellen Hopkins’ Books
Available in hardcover, paperback, e-book, audiobook, and large print through:
- Retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, ThriftBooks, PangoBooks, Indigo.
- Libraries: Most stock Crank, Burned, and Impulse.
- Digital Platforms: Kindle, Audible, Kobo, Libby, OverDrive. Many titles on Kindle Unlimited (Amazon.com).
- Official Website: ellenhopkinsbooks.com for signed copies, reading guides, and Sync promotions.
- Secondhand: ThriftBooks, PangoBooks for used copies ($3–10). Free U.S. shipping on orders over $15 (ThriftBooks). Non-fiction titles are rare, check eBay.
Follow Hopkins on X (@EllenHopkinsLit), Instagram (@ellenhopkinsya), or her newsletter for Ventana Sierra updates (her youth housing non-profit) and book events.
Why Ellen Hopkins’ Books Resonate
Hopkins’ 37 books, with Crank earning 4.16/5 from 152,000+ Goodreads ratings and Impulse at 4.26/5, resonate for their “unflinching honesty” (Publishers Weekly). Crank won multiple awards, while Traffick hit New York Times bestseller lists (SimonAndSchuster.com). Fans on X praise her “poetic” style and relatable characters, though some find the verse format dense (Goodreads). Living in Missouri with her husband, John, extended family, and German shepherds, Hopkins founded Ventana Sierra in Nevada, aiding at-risk youth (ellenhopkinsbooks.com). Her 2006 Silver Pen Award, 2015 Nevada Writers Hall of Fame induction, and banned book controversies highlight her impact. Her novels, rooted in real-life struggles, offer “hope amidst tragedy” (TLBranson).
Final Thoughts
Ellen Hopkins’ bibliography, from Orcas: High Seas Supermen (2000) to Sync (2024), delivers powerful stories in verse, tackling addiction (Crank), abuse (Burned), and identity (Sync). Start with Crank for its iconic debut, Impulse for a psychological dive, or Sync for her latest foster care tale. Read Crank, Burned, Impulse, Tricks, Triangles, and Love Lies Beneath in series order for narrative flow, while standalones like Identical or Rumble offer standalone intensity. Her out-of-print non-fiction suits collectors, and anthologies add depth. With All the Smoke due March 2025, Hopkins’ “emotionally charged” work (Booklist) continues to grip readers. Dive into her world for a poetic, unflinching journey.