Ellen Hopkins

Ellen Louise Hopkins (born March 26, 1955) is an American novelist and poet best known for her verse novels for young adults which tackle difficult subjects such as drug addiction, mental illness, and family dysfunction. Her debut YA novel Crank (2004) and several subsequent works have appeared on bestseller lists and have been frequently discussed and challenged in school and library contexts. Hopkins began her career writing nonfiction for children before turning to YA and adult fiction written largely in free verse.