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| New York Times Bestseller Ellen Hopkins signs a book for UDHS junior Emily Miller |
After
hosting Tina Fey and Anderson Cooper in recent months, Upper Darby High School
added young adult author Ellen Hopkins to its list of celebrity sightings.
The New
York Times Bestselling author spoke to about 40 students in the school’s
library Monday afternoon about the writing process, future projects and her
career.
“(Young adult) is where I belong as a writer,”
said Hopkins, who has written, non-fiction children’s books, adult fiction and
poetry as well.
Hopkins
has been the source of controversy with her signature one-word titled books,
including “Crank” and Burned”, with the former being banned in some schools
because of its frank depiction of drug use and sexuality among teenagers. The
same novel has also been required reading for schools for the same reasons.
She
said of the controversial nature of her books, which have tackled teenage
suicide, prostitution and rape, that these are problems that parents don’t want
to know “exist.”
“I’m a
staunch defender of your right to read,” she said, encouraging teenagers and
parents to read provocative books together to have a discussion about the
issues books address.
Hopkins
later signed copies of her books for students who are big fans of her work,
including junior Emily Miller, who said the author’s “ballsy” style has
influenced her.
“It’s
dark and twisted, but hopeful. I like stuff like that,” Miller said.
Miller
said she’s currently writing a novel about an abnormal household life and
poverty, while also incorporating poetry into it.
“(Writing)
doesn’t have to be happy and nice all the time” she said.
Hopkins
is currently on a book tour for her recently released novel, “Rumble”.
