Ellen Hopkins

Ellen Hopkins is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, widely recognized for her impactful young adult and adult novels that address challenging themes for her readership. Her early talent for writing led to her first poem being published in the Palm Springs Desert Sun. After pursuing journalism studies at Crafton Hills College and the University of California, Santa Barbara, Hopkins transitioned into professional writing in 1990, initially contributing newspaper and magazine articles before authoring nonfiction children’s books such as Air Devils and Orcas: High Seas Supermen. Hopkins gained significant acclaim for her young adult verse novels, which delve into complex topics like drug addiction, mental illness, and prostitution.

She went on to publish Closer to Nowhere in 2020 and What About Will in 2021, further demonstrating her commitment to raw and honest storytelling. Most recently, Hopkins released her novel Sync in 2024, maintaining her dedicated focus on narratives that resonate deeply with readers navigating difficult subjects.