In, Ellen Hopkins chronicles the turbulent and often disturbing relationship between kristina, a character based on her own daughter, and the "Monster," The highly addictive drug crystal meth, or "Crank." Kristina is int...In, Ellen Hopkins chronicles the turbulent and often disturbing relationship between kristina, a character based on her own daughter, and the "Monster," The highly addictive drug crystal meth, or "Crank." Kristina is introduced to the drug while visiting her largely absent and ne'er-do-well father.