Ellen Hopkins

Ellen Louise Hopkins was born on March 26, 1955, in Long Beach, California. Adopted by Albert and Valeria Wagner, her talent for writing emerged early, with her first poem published in the Palm Springs Desert Sun at the age of nine. She pursued journalism studies at Crafton Hills College and the University of California, Santa Barbara, before focusing on family and freelance writing. After moving to northern Nevada in 1990, Hopkins transitioned into writing for a living, initially contributing newspaper and magazine articles, and then nonfiction books for children such as ‘Air Devils’ and ‘Orcas: High Seas Supermen’.

Hopkins gained significant recognition for her young adult verse novels, which explore complex topics such as drug addiction, mental illness, and prostitution. Her debut young adult novel, ‘Crank’, published in 2004, was inspired by her daughter’s struggle with crystal methamphetamine addiction. This was followed by its sequels, ‘Glass’ (2007) and ‘Fallout’ (2010), completing the acclaimed ‘Crank’ trilogy. Her other notable young adult works include ‘Burned’ (2006), ‘Impulse’ (2007), ‘Identical’ (2008), and ‘Tricks’ (2009). These novels established her as a prominent voice in young adult literature, addressing difficult subjects with a raw and honest approach that resonated with readers.

Throughout her career, Hopkins has also authored novels for adult readers, including ‘Triangles’ (2011), ‘Collateral’ (2012), and ‘Love Lies Beneath’ (2015). Her work has consistently appeared on the New York Times bestseller list. In 2006, she received a Silver Pen Award from the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame and was inducted as a full member in 2015, acknowledging her significant contributions to literature. Hopkins continues to write, engaging with readers on challenging social issues through her narratives.