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Crank book cover

Crank

by Ellen Hopkins

Rebound by Sagebrush 2018

★★★★☆

Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade

Reading level 5.1 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+

5th grade English
537
Pages
3
AR Points
2.9h
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • addiction
  • identity and alter ego
  • choices and consequences
  • peer pressure
  • family dynamics
  • self-destruction and recovery
  • first love
  • coming of age

About this book

Told in sharp, fast-moving verse, Crank follows honor student Kristina as she meets “the Monster” and watches her carefully ordered life begin to fracture. Hopkins’s raw, confessional style pulls readers inside Kristina’s split self—good girl and daring alter ego—as peer pressure and first love collide with addiction. It’s a powerful, realistic look at choices and consequences that resonates with mature teens. Ideal for readers who like gritty, true-to-life stories with an intense voice.

Setting: contemporary suburban Nevada and New Mexico

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Crank right for my child?

It depends — here's what to consider for Crank. The reading level is AR 5.1, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include addiction, identity and alter ego, choices and consequences.

How long does it take to read Crank?

At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Crank takes around 2.9h to finish. The book has 28,800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Crank have an AR quiz?

Yes — Crank has an AR quiz available, worth 3 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.

What grade level is Crank?

Crank has an AR reading level of 5.1, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.