Impulse by Ellen Hopkins: Depression, Bipolar Disorder and Suicide in Children's Literature

                Impulse is a verse novel that delves into the lives of three teenagers in Aspen Springs, a mental rehabilitation facility. The novel switches between the view points of the three main characters, Conner, Vanessa and Tony. Each teen has been admitted to Aspen Springs for their mental disabilities: Conner for attempted suicide with a gun, Vanessa for cutting her wrists, and Tony for his addiction to drugs. I will warn you the content of the verse novel could be inappropriate for younger readers. Inappropriate language is used sparingly throughout, as well as sexual references and graphic content regarding suicide attempts and cutting. However, in no way would I suggest this content takes away from the novel, I believe it adds to the raw, honest lives of the characters.

What is interesting about this book is while the teens are in the facility for things like depression and bipolar disorder, the reader gets a look at the lives of the characters through their own perspective. I believe this contributes to awareness for readers who may be unfamiliar with this kind of mental disability, by putting themselves in the shoes of the characters. Outside of their mental disabilities, these characters remain relatable to any reader. For example, Conner comes from a wealthy upbringing and over-bearing parents who expect him to exceed in everything, Vanessa is living without a mother and a father who is overseas, and Tony was raised by a drug-addicted mother and a non-existent father. Their family lives humanize the characters for readers who may be unable to relate to their disabilities.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and while the content may not be suitable for younger readers, I would not completely count it out. Hopkins does an incredible job of making this book accessible to readers with all different backgrounds and knowledge levels. Disabilities such a depression and bipolar disorder are address in this book in such a way that educates readers, as well as assures readers with similar struggles they are understood and not alone. Want to know what other critics are saying about this book? Click here to check it out. Purchase Impulse here.