Average Rating by Parents & Educators

They rate this title on for age 12 and up.

They give it five stars

Based on 12 reviews

Average Rating by Kids

They rate this title on for age 9 and up.

They give it five stars

Based on 59 reviews

Have you read it? Review It!

    See All Reviews | Parent & Educator Reviews | Kid & Teen Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Negative role models

    Great book for teens older than 13 and for parents!

    I think this book is great for teenagers to read. It might have a few indescent language and other behaviors that might not be suitable for children under the age of 14, but it teaches parents that they really do have a big impact on their child's life. I think parent should read this book and think about the future outcomes of their children.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    I rate this title on for age 15 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Interesting and Heartfelt

    I am a 15 year old girl and don't usually read, but this book got my complete attention. It's easy to read and i highly recomend it for children over 15. It tells the story of three children who come together to try and make a difference in eachother's life. It is very interesting and heartfelt!

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    I rate this title on for age 16 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Interesting and Heartfelt

    I am a 15 year old girl and don't usually read, but this book was very detailed and interesther ting. I highly recommend this book to people older than 15. It tells the message of three children who come together to make a difference in eachother's lives, or at least try. Very interesting and heartfelt

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    Strong message

    Somewhat graphic, but really brings out intense emotions

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational

    Love it

    Great book. One of my least favorites from Ellen Hopkins books but still great!!!!!!!! It shows how abuse can effect teens and even drive them to suicide. This books has 3 people in it : Tony, Connor, and Vanessa, they all grew up with abuse and all tried to commit suicide. And when you finish reading it a little part of the book stays with you.

  6. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title on for age 16 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative role models
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Great book for older teens, that are having a rough time.

    What way would you like to go? Cutting, shooting, or swallowing the bottle?Impulse is a book, that has a very good message to teenagers.In the book, Impulse by Ellen Hopkins there are three teenagers. Connor, Vanessa, and Tony All three of the teenagers tried to commit suicide because they couldn't take there rough lives anymore. All three of the teens have been through mental, physical or even sexual abuse. As a result it didn't work. As the teens end up in a hospital, they try to put all there dark past behind them. In the end of the story only two of the three teens make it out alive.

  7. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 1.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    From a Conservative Christian point of view

    The idea of using prose to tell a story is nothing new. It is a technique that predates Shakespeare. However, now-a-days, just about anyone can get anything published and it can be called literature. While Shakespeare touched on some very dark and provacative themes, this book is full of main characters who are not role models. It is a graphic and morbidly depressing book. When there is so much out there that is uplifting and mentally challenging, why would readers desire to subject themselves to the continued depressingness of this series of books. This book and its counterparts/prequels and sequels, are not appropriate or recommended reading for any child, teen, or young adult. For those of you with the response "it is real, this is what really happens out there..." your response is rebutted with that just because this stuff really goes on, does not make it appropriate; and, just because this stuff really does go on, does not mean it is real life for everyone, across the board. The absense of God / Spirituality in anyone's life contributes to the darkness that pervades that life. If my children (and myself) cannot comfortably read these passages in front of our parents, teachers, priests/pastors, then it is NOT appropriate nor acceptable.

  8. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    teens

    i think that it was a really really good book and i am 13 i think that you have to be mature to read this because it does have some sexual and drug content in it but i do recommend this to people or teen who are mature and can handle it

  9. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 3.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

  10. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    I rate this title on for age 15 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Teenager Book

    All main characters tried to commit suicide. the girl cuts herself in the book and before. the first boy tried to shoot himself, he later accomplishes suicide by jumping from a dangerous height. the other boy tried to OD(over-dose). the other boy and the girl wind up having feelings for each other. the first boy was emotionally abused and talks about having sex with his english teacher. the other boy was sexually abused as a child by his mom's boyfriend and thinks of himself as gay until he has feelings for the main girl. the girl is mentally-ill and manic, as i said before she cuts herself, her mom is in the hospital after trying to OD. this book is about teenagers trying to deal with life as it is even after having a bad past. one of three is not successful.

  11. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational

    wonderful book for older kids.

    This book was fantastic, it told a story of three teens in an actual reality many kids face. I would recommend this book largely. It sends a great message, even if it's not happy. What in reality truly is?

  12. Parent Reviewer
    Kids ages: 18
    I rate this title on for age 15 and give it 5.0

    Ellen is a genius

    Impulse by Ellen Hopkins is a very unique book. In most teen books, the author tries to hold back some of the reality. Ellen Hopkins is different. She writes about the true stuff that happens to teens all around the world on a daily basis. She talks about abuse, suicide, mental disorders, love, hate, and so much more. Each character in this books reflects the hardships each teen goes through each and every day, just on a more intense level. This particular book by Ellen Hopkins is about a group of teenagers who are put into rehab because they attempted to end their own lives. One kid shot himself in the heart, and missed. One girl cuts herself. And another boy abuses drugs. He has an obsession with older women and is addicted to sex. Ellen Hopkins goes into great detail with each teens life. A few times you may need to put down the book, just to ease your mind. As Ellen starts getting into detail about the girl who cuts herself, she gets very graphic. Even as a student about to start school to go into nursing, it still made me a little uneasy and queazy. Although it is graphic, i also believe it is necessary in order to take each characters issues seriously. This teenagers battle horrible addictions and are very angry and upset with themselves and everything going on in their lives. Each teenager helps one another to cope with their illnesses little by little until they are completely clean, clear, and happy, or they just hit so far rock bottom no one can help them. I believe Ellen Hopkins purpose for writing this story is to put out the awareness that not everyone is happy with their lives. Not everyone has a fantastic family. Not everyone has a good home, or good income. And not everyone feels like they can live in a world with so much sin. This is the story of a group of teenagers battling to get through rehab, and ultimately, life.

  13. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 3.0

    My opinion.

    Not my favorite by this author. Probably the worst out of all of them, I think.

  14. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title on for age 15 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    i think its a good book, it may have lots of strongly worded phrases but it does give a good idea of what some people have to go through. Like you actually never know the hurt and pain some people have in their life. Therefore, you should not judge. Impulse, is actually a book I can get into. It also help you to not let things get out of hand. It's just a good book overall.

  15. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Negative message
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational

    If your children ask questions let them read for thier selfs

    I am 16 years old I love it, its the best book i think all teens need to read it..so they know what goes on and noy to let things get out of hand..

  16. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational

    Depends on maturity of the kid, I suppose

    Well I'm thirteen and I've read more hardcore stuff then this, but I absolutely loved the book. I read it at age 11 or 12 or so, but I suppose it just depends on the person's maturity level, and what they're exposed to, and what they can be influenced by.

  17. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages

    I think this is a very good book. It is very educational and I think some one can learn alot form this book.

  18. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 3.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational

    For The Mature Teen

    Personally, this was not my favourite book by Ellen Hopkins. This is because the way she does the layout of the text, they are secret messages that intrigue the reader, but there were few in this particular book. On the other hand, I find her books to be very intelligetly written, in the fact that she knows how to go into detail with certain things (feelings,etc) and is very careful to be brief about others and still kind of give the reader what they want (i.e. sexual encounters).

  19. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    I rate this title on for age 16 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages

    Great for teenagers 16 and up!

    I love this book. For teens who may be pondering in psychology this is an inside look to what you will have to deal with. This also shows effects of how people deal with things, and how some people are unfourtunantly not strong enough to cope alone.

  20. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Great book

    LOVE IT! This book isn't as bad as it seems, the suicide isn't a big deal in the book. It's about getting better and making friends and learning to be yourself.

  21. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    I rate this title on for age 15 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    This book was overall good. I liked how the authour used peotry in this book. But there were a few T.M.I. moments in this book, with the teens talk about personal issues and troubles.

  22. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 5.0

    this boook is amazing it can relate to most you kids

  23. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    I rate this title on for age 15 and give it 5.0

    perfect book for teens who are trying to relate to hard situations.

    i like this book a lot. it shows what people are going through and what it is like for teens who are troubled. This book gives a very realistic view of teens going through hard times and it feels like you are there.

  24. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Good role models

    Perfect for any teenager, 12+

    loved this book, the way it was written, the characters,and the way emotions were displayed.

  25. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Maryland
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Amazing Book!

    I LOVE this book, as well as all Ellen Hopkins books. It's very meaningful, and it really spoke to me about suicide and death.

Review It!

or

to post a review

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name