Synopses & Reviews
Does it get better? The New York Times bestselling author of Crank and Tricks explores the highly charged landscapes of bullying and forgiveness in this “strong and worthy” (Kirkus Reviews) novel.
Matthew Turner knows it doesn’t get better.
His
younger brother Luke was bullied mercilessly after one of Matt’s
friends outed Luke to the whole school, and when Luke called Matt — on the
brink of suicide — Matt was too wrapped up in his new girlfriend to
answer the phone. Now Luke is gone, and Matt’s family is falling apart.
No
matter what his girlfriend Hayden says about forgiveness, there’s no
way Matt’s letting those he blames off the hook — including himself. As
Matt spirals further into bitterness, he risks losing Hayden, the love
of his life. But when her father begins to pressure the school board
into banning books because of their homosexual content, he begins to
wonder if he and Hayden ever had anything in common.
With brilliant sensitivity and emotional resonance, bestselling author Ellen Hopkins’s Rumble explores
bullying and suicide in a powerful story that examines the value of
forgiveness and reconciliation.
Review
"Hopkins is well known for her ability to address difficult situations with skill and sensitivity, and this novel is no exception." VOYA
Review
"Hopkins’s realistic, truthful approach to bullying, religion, and homosexuality make this a powerful story for even the most reluctant readers." School Library Journal
Review
"Hopkins’ many fans... [will find] catharsis and comfort in her portrayal of teens facing and surviving myriad societal problems. Fans wait eagerly for the next Hopkins book, and this one will be no exception." Booklist
Review
"Hopkins
again tackles hot-button subjects through free verse, taking on
cyberbullying, censorship, the role of religion, and the difficulties of
veterans returning from war.... Hopkins expertly documents Matt’s
increasing ability to accept and love others in his life, and eventually
himself." Publishers Weekly
About the Author
Ellen Hopkins is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of eleven young adult novels, as well as the adult novels Triangles, Collateral, and Love Lies Beneath. She lives with her family in Carson City, Nevada, where she has founded Ventana Sierra, a nonprofit youth housing and resource initiative. Visit her at EllenHopkins.com and on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter at @EllenHopkinsLit. For more information on Ventana Sierra, go to VentanaSierra.org.