Dickens & Rumi
Cover of IMPULSE

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IMPULSE

Ellen Hopkins

The stories, in blank verse, of three teenagers who survived suicide attempts.

Book 1 · ImpulseSource checked

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10-second decision

Is this likely to fit your family?

Age guidanceNot listed
Strongest cautionsAlcohol or drugs 4/5 · Death of a character 4/5 · Frightening scenes 4/5
Strongest positivesCourage & resilience 4/5 · Positive messages 4/5
Series positionBook 1 · Impulse
Recommendation3.5/5

Courage & resilience; strongest caution: alcohol or drugs.

This is the quick scan. Open the evidence and methodology below for the basis behind each rating.

Quick context

What parents should know

Courage & resilience; strongest caution: alcohol or drugs.

Readiness snapshotMain watch-out: Alcohol or drugs 4/5
Recommendation 3.5/5

Editorial rating

How this review was built

Dickens & Rumi editorial
Source checkedPublication method
17Scored categories
17Evidence notes
0Explicit 0/5 checks
Nov 6, 2026Last updated

Dickens & Rumi describes what is present; families decide what matters to them. Community reactions are kept separate from official content ratings.

How ratings workReport a rating or series issue
Review depth17 scored categories17 evidence notes
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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Alcohol or drugs4/5
  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Positive messages4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5

Reading order

Series progression

All known volumes are shown. Reviewed books include age guidance and cautions; books still being reviewed are clearly marked.

Next volumeBook 2 · PERFECTStrongest cautions: Alcohol or drugs 5/5 · Sexual content & nudity 4/5Open next review →
  1. Book 1 · IMPULSE
    Alcohol or drugs4/5Death of a character4/5Frightening scenes4/5Romance3/5Sexual content & nudity3/5Strong language3/5Violence3/5Graphic injury2/5LGBTQIA characters2/5Religious themes1/5
    Starting point
  2. Book 2 · PERFECTAges 16+
    Alcohol or drugs5/5Sexual content & nudity4/5Death of a character3/5Frightening scenes3/5Romance3/5Strong language3/5LGBTQIA characters2/5Violence2/5Graphic injury1/5Products & advertising1/5Religious themes1/5
    About the same

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What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

The threat and reality of suicide are central to the plot and the characters' backstories.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

The clinical reality of suicide attempts and self-harm is addressed, though not gratuitously graphic.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Strong language is used periodically to reflect the characters' anger, frustration, and pain.

LGBTQIA characters2/5
Why this rating?

Mentions of sexual identity and orientation are present within the characters' personal reflections.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Religious ideas or institutions may appear in the characters’ backgrounds, but faith is not a major focus of the story.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Romantic and sexual relationships, attraction, jealousy and harmful relationship dynamics are recurring parts of the story.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Suicidal crises, abuse, psychiatric confinement and relapse create sustained emotional distress and tension, though the fear is psychological rather than horror-based.

Sexual content & nudity3/5
Why this rating?

Includes references to sexual activity, harassment, and exploration of traumatic sexual experiences.

Alcohol or drugs4/5
Why this rating?

Drug and alcohol misuse, addiction and recovery are major elements, including harmful consequences and treatment.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes descriptions of self-harm and domestic conflict, though it is not centered on physical combat.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Facing trauma, addiction, suicidal thoughts and the work of recovery requires sustained emotional courage; the book distinguishes this from reckless behavior.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The use of verse to communicate complex emotional states is highly creative and engaging.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Presents a cast of teens from varied socioeconomic and family backgrounds experiencing shared trauma.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Offers insight into the experience of mental illness, psychiatric care, and the impact of trauma.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Peer support, empathy and caring professionals matter, though the characters also experience cruelty, isolation and difficult setbacks.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The story strongly supports seeking help, confronting trauma, accepting responsibility and valuing connection, while honestly showing that recovery is difficult.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

The teens make dangerous choices, but honesty, treatment, accountability and persistence offer imperfect examples of growth and recovery.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How were alcohol or drugs portrayed, and what consequences did the story show?
  3. Which choice in IMPULSE would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in IMPULSE, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community perspective — separate from editorial ratings

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