Heartstopper, Volume 1
Parents say
Based on 5 reviews
Kids say
Based on 20 reviews
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the graphic novel series Heartstopper, by author-illustrator Alice Oseman, has been adapted for a popular Netflix TV series of the same name. It's a high school romance between two boys that grows from a classroom friendship. Drawings show an incident of shoving, slamming against a wall, and being forcibly kissed, with the victim's distress clearly shown. There are a few other incidents with shoving, slamming, and verbal aggression. Past bullying is mentioned without giving any details. A few drawings show passionate kissing from the shoulders up, and mild romantic gestures like holding hands and hugging. Strong language includes "f--k," "d--k," "f--got."
What's the Story?
HEARTSTOPPER is the story of an unlikely high school friendship as it starts to blossom into something more. At the start of a new term, Charlie and Nick are seated together in class. Charlie is openly gay, does well academically, and has a variety of interests. Nick seems like a typical straight jock on the rugby team. As they get to know each other both at school and outside of it, they start to develop feelings beyond friendship for each other that are confusing in different ways. Are their feelings real? Should they act on them?
Is It Any Good?
This sweet romance captures first love, from the thrilling to the awkward, with charm and believability. Teens will relate to Nick and Charlie as Heartstopper takes them through the ups and downs of first love while they're also trying to figure themselves and their emotions out.
The manga-style drawings create a lively feel and are especially effective at conveying unspoken thoughts and feelings. The cliffhanger ending will have fans ready to jump right into the next installment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the strong language in Heartstopper. Is it realistic? Does it matter if it is? How much is too much?
Why is diverse representation important in books, TV, games, and other media? How do we feel when we see people like ourselves? What do we learn from people who are different?
Have you seen the Netflix series based on the books? Have you read any other books in the series? If you have, which do you like best, and why? If you haven't, would you like to now?
Book Details
- Author: Alice Oseman
- Illustrator: Alice Oseman
- Genre: Graphic Novel
- Topics: Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, High School
- Character Strengths: Empathy
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
- Publication date: May 5, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 12 - 17
- Number of pages: 288
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated: June 8, 2022
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