Pam Kazmaier and her 12-year-old son, Zack, tried to commit suicide together by overdosing on their psychiatric medication. Both recovered, but she was convicted of felony. Still, the suicide attempt may have saved their lives and their family. The six-chapter narrative takes readers from the dark depths of mental illness, through hospitals, jail and courts, and ultimately to recovery.
Judges’ Comments: A gripping narrative, this six-part saga examines the troubled lives of a mother and son who share a common foe, mental illness, which led to a suicide pact. Relying on multiple sources, the reporter deconstructs a controversial court case and uses concise storytelling skills to gently educate readers about bipolar disorder.