Tricks

posted on September 26, 2024 by Eve Panzer

Tricks by Ellen Hopkins BUY NOW
Number of challenges: 56
Margaret K. McElderry Books, Simon & Schuster, 2009
ISBN: 9781481498241
*Age Range: 14 and up (Suggested by Publisher)
Grade Range: 9 and up (Recommended by School Library Journal)
CLICK HERE FOR LINKS TO RESOURCES
BOOK SYNOPSIS
Meet five teens: Eden Streit, Seth Parnell, Whitney Lang, Ginger Cordell, and Cody Bennett. They’re
from different walks of life–some are rich; some are poor; some are from nuclear families; others are not.
Regardless of upbringing, they share common needs: love, acceptance, safety, and family. Eden has a
secret love affair and is the daughter of a hellfire-and-brimstone preaching father; Seth, aching over the
death of his mother, is a gay farm kid and hides his sexuality from his father; Whitney is good-looking
and smart, but lives in the shadow of her “better” older sister and her critical mother and semi-absent
father; Ginger lives in poverty with her drug-using, sexually deviant, and abusive mother; and Cody,
suffering the loss of his stepfather, shoulders his mother’s emotional and financial needs. All five are
betrayed or “tricked” by someone they love and turn down brutal paths in which they experience even
deeper deception. What will they do to be loved? To survive? Can they return home? Their stories begin
in alternating vignettes and interweave into one explosive Las Vegas ending.
REVIEWS AND PRAISE
“Written in Hopkins’s trademark style–largely free-verse poems that make use of broken lines, double
columns, linked phrases, and other devices–this hefty volume follows five teenagers as they flee
troubled families and fall into prostitution. Each character is sympathetic with an independent voice.” –
The Horn Book
“From the punch delivered by the title, to the teens’ raw voices, to the visual impact of the free verse,
Hopkins once again produces a graphic, intense tale that will speak to mature teens.” – School Library
Journal
“A master of storytelling through free verse, [Hopkins] uses multiple poetic devices to construct welldefined, distinctive voices for the five teens. […] The multiple protagonists are easy to identify and their
stories compelling, especially when they begin to intersect. Teens will queue up for this one, some,
admittedly, for the sensational subject matter, and find Hopkins trademark empathy for teens in rough
situations.” – Booklist
“Hopkins again tackles a serious societal problem, this time focusing on teen prostitution. Fans of her
work will recognize both her signature free verses and the gritty details she weaves within them. […]
While readers may connect with some characters more than others, they will long remember each
painful story.” – Publishers Weekly
AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
• 2009 New York Public Library Best Books for Teens, selection
• 2009 ALA Rainbow Book List, selection
• 2012 Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award
• 2013 Joan F. Kaywell Books Save Lives Award, honoree
MEDIA AND RESOURCES
• Reading Group Guide to Tricks by Ellen Hopkins
*A NOTE ON AGE RANGES
A publisher-suggested age range covers the gamut of readers that publishers envision using the book,
whether for independent reading, family sharing, group study, or in other ways. Educators have the best
sense of the appropriate age range for the diverse learners they work with and understand these ranges
vary depending on a book’s intended use.

Raves & Praise from authors and educators about Eve Panzer, the Barefoot Librarian.

Eve Panzer has displayed her wonderful books at several of our Early Childhood events. Our teachers are always excited to see the age appropriate materials she provides.

-Jacquie Porter, Early Childhood Director, Austin ISD

A favorite resource we use everyday in our preschool is a beautiful book! We love to share the joy and excitement of engaging stories to help the children make deep connections to their exploration and learning. The Barefoot Librarian offers THE best selection of books in a full range of topics and targeted age groups to appeal to children of all ages.

-Community School Director, Four Seasons

Eve, the Barefoot Librarian has done a wonderful job at hand-selecting books for my three children, ages 3.5, 4.5 and 7. She considered their interests and reading levels in her selection of 23 titles. Some are bi-lingual, which is ideal since they are learning Spanish and English at the same time. All of the books are beautiful and some come with audio CDs, which they love listening to while having the book on their lap as we commute to school. What a wonderful way to get new books!

-Sharon M., Parent

Faced with the wealth of incredible books available for children, many educators can feel overwhelmed when it comes to choosing titles for the classroom. If you’re a teacher who doesn’t want to resort to the dartboard method, the Barefoot Librarian is your new best friend!

-Audrey Linter, Blogger, Little Pickle Press

“Eve Panzer and her site The Barefoot Librarian is every author’s friend. Her thorough reviews inform readers just how and why a book makes the perfect fit. Reviews are important so people understand whether a potential read will be successful and with reviews like The Barefoot Librarian help make those selections a success!”

-Carole P. Roman, award-winning author

“I was the lucky recipient of a review from Eve Panzer for my debut picture book, SUMO JOE. Not only was her review timely, but she also got to the core of the book and really understood what it was all about. Her blog posts not only look beautiful but are well written and help readers find books for their needs. I highly recommend Eve’s book review services!”

-Mia Wejen – Co-founder of the MultiCultural Children’s Book Day and author of children’s books, including Sumo Joe and the Barefoot Books title Food for the Future, which has received rave reviews from the School Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews.

“Eve, the Barefoot Librarian provided me with an excellent service. Being a first-time author, it is a challenge to get your foot in the door and I was really pleased with the process. Not only was it a well thought out and wonderful review, but Eve is lovely and very prompt with her communication. Thank you for a job well done.”

-Sarah Cullen, Author of Nellie the Narwhal and Director Majestic Whale Encounters

Eve Panzer wrote a wonderful review for my debut middle grade novel. I was thrilled at how detailed and thorough the review was. In fact, it has helped me so much as I have sent this review to schools and educators so they can get a good idea of what my book is about. I am so grateful to Eve for her deep insight and analysis of my book. I highly recommend her services to any author looking to get a book review.

-Shirin Shamsi, author of Laila and the Sands of Time and the Barefoot Books title Zahra’s Blessing: A Ramadan Story which received rave reviews from the School Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews.

“An author is always nervous to see a review of their book, especially their first book. When I read Eve Panzer’s (the Barefoot Librarian) review of my debut picture book Walkout, I immediately relaxed as I saw her deep connection to the core of the story. She truly understood the character relationships, problem, and message of the book. In addition, Eve’s correspondence was timely, efficient, and professional. I look forward to seeking her expertise and experience for future children’s books.”

-Tina M. Shepardson, Author of WALKOUT

“I was honored to receive a Barefoot Librarian Book Review as an award from this year’s Reader View’s Reviewers Choice awards. I was especially pleased that David’s ADHD was selected, since my greatest hope for the book was to have it shared in libraries so that it is available to all.” “I found her review to be insightful and extremely helpful in presenting the book, including helpful quotes from the book and well as providing encouraging and perceptive comments. I am hoping to use her reviewing service again for future books!”

-Sherrill S. Cannon, Award-Winning Author of David’s ADHD

“As an author, I feel like there’s nothing more rewarding than when grownups really get my message and what I’m trying to portray in the story. Eve Panzer is one of those gems who has been a huge champion for our yoga stories, which are a little outside the box, combining literacy and movement. Her reviews are hugely comprehensive, and it’s clear that she spends quality time getting to know the books and the authors. It was an honor to have one of our first yoga books reviewed by Eve, and I highly recommend her services!”

-Giselle Shardlow, Author and Owner of KidsYogaStories.com

Eve Panzer, The Barefoot Librarian, provided an outstanding, valuable review of my children’s book, My Chickens Lay Eggs. Her professional review was written in a comprehensive, yet concise, manner. Most importantly, it specifically highlighted aspects of the book considered relevant to my reader and buyer audiences. I sincerely appreciate the thoughtful time and effort put into the final product and highly recommend her services.

-Sherry Crelin, Author of My Chickens Lay Eggs

Thank you so much for your comprehensive review of Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals …! Your review pointed out the many lessons hidden and not so hidden in the book, which is a bonus for a story that, on the surface, seems relatively simplistic.  Thank you also for including pertinent facts and safety information from the back matter page in your review.

-Rebecca Leopold Publicist, Waterbear Publishing

This is fantastic; thank you so much! Your review really captures everything we love about this title.

-Hannah Thelen (she/her/hers), Editorial and Production Director Women In Botany (Science Wide Open series) by Mary Wissinger, Published by Science Naturally!