Hopkins, Ellen. Impulse. New York: Simon Pulse, 2007. Print.
Annotation:
Tony, Vanessa, and Connor are three teens who are in a psychiatric hospital after each has tried to commit suicide. All three tell their stories of how they came to be where they are and what they are thinking about their present situation. All three tell their tales in verse.
Justification for Nomination:
At first glance Impulse seems like a daunting challenge to both YA and adult readers. The book comes in at 666 pages and it is all written in verse. Ellen Hopkins has written a great book with believable characters and realistic settings. The fact that it is written in verse only adds to the pathos of the three protagonist. Each character has a distinct style and voice that make it easy for the reader to understand who is talking at the time. The subject matter is weighty, suicide, but the book does not pander or patronize. Each characters pain and confusion is spelled out for the reader to read and react to. I believe that many readers will have a definite reaction to this book. Hopkins talent for verse is only outshined by her ability to create complicated characters that are real and very accessible to the reader. Readers will enjoy the challenge this book represents: the challenge is well worth the reward. This book should be a must read for anyone looking for a Printz Award nominee.
Genre Catalog:
Narrative Verse/Realistic/Problem
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