The Weight of Zero

Gr 9 Up—Seventeen-year old Catherine was diagnosed with bipolar disorder soon after her grandmother passed away two years ago. She's struggled with the diagnosis and treatment since then, swinging from manic episodes to deep depressions, which led to her first suicide attempt. Now, her life appears to be more stable, but Catherine knows it is just a matter of time before the depression, or Zero, takes over. She knows what answers to give to her therapist and her mother so they don't suspect, but Dr. McCallum suggests Catherine take part in group therapy, called Intensive Outpatient Program. She meets with the group every week to talk about issues. Catherine goes but feels like Zero could strike at any moment. She doesn't want to end her life without experiencing anything, however, so she starts a list of things she needs to do before Zero takes over. Readers have a front-row seat to the teen's moods, thoughts, and fears. There is talk about sex, drinking, and drugs throughout, along with cutting, bulimia, anorexia, obsessive compulsive disorders, and other possible triggers. Catherine is a believable protagonist surrounded by fleshed-out secondary characters. The pace picks up as Catherine gets more involved in her history project and makes connections at school and in therapy. The author stresses how bipolar disorder can manifest and includes background and resources at the end of the book.