Tricks

Ellen Hopkins

In this powerful novel, five teenagers from diverse backgrounds find themselves entangled in the world of sex work as they desperately seek connection, security, and a sense of belonging. Their individual journeys, initially separate, begin to intertwine, revealing a larger narrative about the complex search for freedom, family, and love in the face of profound challenges. Through raw and unflinching verse, the story explores the difficult choices these young people make, the leaps of faith they take, and the painful process of growing up. It's a poignant examination of identity, desire, and the often-devastating costs of seeking validation, all told with Ellen Hopkins' signature emotional depth and lyrical prose.

Ellen Hopkins

Five teenagers struggle to survive lives shaped by drug use, sexual exploitation, and the devastating reach of sex trafficking. As they confront manipulation, addiction, trauma, and the possibility of escape, each must decide whether a new life is still within reach. One unexpected relationship—with a boy scarred by addiction and mental illness—offers a fragile source of stability amid the chaos. Told in Ellen Hopkins’s signature raw, emotionally charged verse, this riveting companion to *Tricks* explores resilience, recovery, and the difficult path toward hope.