Plot Summary

Tricks

Ellen Hopkins
Guide cover placeholder

Tricks

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2009

Book Brief

Ellen Hopkins

Tricks

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2009
Book Details
Pages

656

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

USA • 2000s

Publication Year

2009

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

HL590L

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Super Short Summary

Tricks by Ellen Hopkins tells the stories of five teenagers—Eden, Seth, Cody, Whitney, and Ginger—who face various personal struggles, including religious oppression, grappling with sexuality, family issues, and abuse. Their separate paths converge as they become involved in prostitution, each seeking escape or survival, ultimately navigating the harsh realities of their circumstances. This book contains themes of sexual abuse and substance addiction.

Dark

Emotional

Gritty

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

4.4

40,703 ratings

81%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Ellen Hopkins' Tricks is a compelling exploration of five teens grappling with difficult life choices and turbulent circumstances. Enthusiastic readers commend its raw, authentic storytelling and emotional intensity. However, some critique it for its graphic content and occasional predictability. Overall, it’s a bold narrative that resonates deeply, yet may not suit every reader.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Tricks?

A reader who would enjoy Tricks by Ellen Hopkins is typically a young adult (YA) interested in gritty, realistic fiction involving complex social issues and emotional struggles. Fans of Crank by Ellen Hopkins or Go Ask Alice by Anonymous, who appreciate verse novels and intense, raw storytelling, will likely find this book compelling.

4.4

40,703 ratings

81%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

656

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

USA • 2000s

Publication Year

2009

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

HL590L

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