"Tricks" is a novel written by Ellen Hopkins. It was published in 2009 and is a young adult novel that deals with heavy themes such as drug addiction, prostitution, and abuse. The story follows five different teenagers, all from different backgrounds, who end up becoming involved in the dark and dangerous world of sex trafficking.
The main characters in "Tricks" are:
Eden: A naive and innocent girl who falls in love with a boy named Andrew. After their relationship ends, she runs away from home and becomes a victim of sex trafficking.
Seth: A gay teenager who struggles with his identity and is rejected by his religious family. He turns to drugs and ends up working as a prostitute to support his addiction.
Whitney: A popular and privileged girl who feels neglected by her parents. She starts dating a manipulative guy named Cody, who introduces her to drugs and convinces her to become a stripper.
Ginger: A rebellious and independent girl who leaves her abusive home. She becomes involved with drugs and ends up being forced into prostitution.
Cody: A charismatic and manipulative boy who uses his charm to control and exploit others. He convinces Whitney to become a stripper and exploits Ginger in the sex trafficking business.
"Tricks" explores the dark side of human nature and highlights the vulnerability of young people who fall into dangerous situations. Ellen Hopkins' writing style is unique, as she uses free verse poetry to tell the story, which adds emotional depth and intensity to the narrative. The novel sheds light on the harsh realities that many teenagers face and aims to raise awareness about these issues.