Fallout (novel)
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Books |
Fallout is a young adult novel released in 2010 by Ellen Hopkins, serving as a continuation of the Crank series following Glass.
Summary
Three of Kristina Snow's five children—Hunter, Autumn, and Summer—live separately under different guardians and carry different last names. All three share a genetic vulnerability to addiction and complicated emotions toward their mother, who has struggled with substance abuse for two decades. Nineteen-year-old Hunter juggles college, a radio position, and social engagements. Unaware of her siblings, Autumn resides with her single aunt and an alcoholic grandfather; after her aunt's marriage alters the family dynamics, Autumn begins drinking. The youngest sibling, Summer, endures abuse from her father's partners and experiences foster care placement. While each child yearns for love and familial connection, they ultimately discover resilience and optimism within themselves and through their bonds with one another.
Reception
Fallout garnered varied critical responses, with recognition for its raw and engaging narrative style. Publishers Weekly praised the compelling storytelling, whereas School Library Journal (SLJ) acknowledged Hopkins's unique "not-quite poetry" technique but noted the increasing complexity of the book's visual layout. The Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) applauded the poetic expression of addiction's emotional weight despite mature themes and language. Additionally, Kirkus Reviews highlighted the successful use of clipped free verse to portray fractured feelings.
SLJ remarked that the extensive array of characters linked to Kristina might cause reader confusion. Nonetheless, VOYA described the book as a fast-paced and captivating experience despite its length.
In 2022, the Alpine School District included Fallout among 52 titles banned under Utah’s law H.B. 374 (“Sensitive Materials In Schools”), which prohibits books considered pornographic based on factors such as appeal to prurient interest, explicit sexual content deemed offensive, and absence of significant literary or artistic merit.
Bibliography
- Hopkins, Ellen. Fallout. New York: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division, 2010.