Hopkins' brick-shaped novels in verse are by now comfortingly familiar in both format and theme. This sequel to Tricks (2009) continues the stories of five young prostitutes in Las Vegas: male, female, gay, straight, wealthy, poor, urban, and rural. Hopkins also calls attention to the plight of transgendered teens through a young transgender would-be model who is brutally beaten. As always, well-grouped sections, where the first entry identifies the character talking, keep the large cast and complex stories manageable, and Hopkins' undeniable empathy for young people remains sincere and moving. The five protagonists individually struggle to leave prostitution behind with varying degrees of support and success. Although some may bristle at the resolution of Eden's story, Hopkins' focus on domestic minor sex trafficking sheds light on an issue of great importance and interest to teens without romanticizing the subject. The author's note on the final two pages offers resources with contact information and informative statistics.

In Tricks, Hopkins gave voice to five teenagers lured into prostitution; in this sequel, each learns to see him or herself as the victim of sex trafficking. Through fears and disappointments, the characters find hope and motivation, and move toward a healthier life. Hopkins's signature free-verse style, frank approach toward addiction and sexuality, and predilection for melodrama are all accounted for.

Gr 10 Up-In this sequel to Tricks (S. & S., 2009), the author revisits the lives of five very different young adults who ended up victims of sex trafficking in Las Vegas. Hopkins spares no details while relaying the dire circumstances Eden, Seth, Whitney, Ginger, and Cody experienced and yet still manages to infuse each character's story with hope. The protagonists have to decide what their futures will hold and how much they want to fight to get there. Reading the first novel is not necessary, as enough backstory is provided. However, some readers may prefer to understand the teens' path to sex trafficking before reading this story of redemption. Hopkins clearly has done her research, as detailed in an author's note, and the stories carry even more weight when readers realize that this is the reality many children and teens face. Hopkins's use of free verse allows the raw emotion to shine through, and mature teens will hang on to every word. VERDICT Ordering is a must for libraries where the first was popular. Recommended widely for older YA readers. Kelly Jo Lasher, Middle Township High School, Cape May Court House, NJ