Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Krawczyk
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Popular series tells of mental health, healing in 4th book.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In HEARTSTOPPER: VOLUME 4, the story opens with Charlie journaling about whether he should tell Nick "I love you." While the couple enjoy a beach trip with friends, it's clear that Charlie still has eating issues. Nick encourages Charlie to tell his parents about his struggles with eating and mental health. Charlie's parents are supportive but unable to get an appointment with a specialist for a few months. Charlie's mental health gets worse. He's hospitalized and then enters an inpatient treatment for several weeks. Can Nick and Charlie's relationship handle all these challenges? Will Charlie begin to heal? A ten-page spread at the end of the book relates "firsts" in the romance between teachers Mr. Farouk and Mr. Ajayi. A list of mental health resources is also included.
Is It Any Good?
The fourth volume in the series is a departure from the mostly heartwarming story that unfolded in the first three. In Heartstopper: Volume 4, much of the focus is on Charlie's mental health. The book is illustrated in Alice Oseman's charming style, and there are still many sweet moments between Charlie and Nick. However, less of the action unfolds in real time and there's more factual content about mental health woven throughout. Jumps in time, a few months each, are told in flashbacks in Nick's and Charlie's journals, each from their point of view. Still, Charlie and Nick, along with the supporting cast of characters, are as endearing and engaging as ever. Readers who've struggled with mental health will identify with their struggles. It's important to note, however, that the content may be triggering to some. Overall, Charlie's diagnosis, treatment, and healing journey are realistic, relevant, and relatable. His courage and perseverance, as well as the compassion and support of his family and friends, are an inspiration, and are likely to give hope to readers facing similar issues.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Charlie's mental health journey in Heartstopper: Volume 4. How does Charlie show courage throughout his treatment? What helps him persevere as he continues to heal? Have you gotten through something really hard? What helped most?
Through Charlie's hospitalization and afterward, what are some ways that Charlie's family and friends show compassion, understanding, and support?
Charlie and his family struggle to get into treatment for his mental health concerns and he gets worse without treatment. Have you heard that there's an increase in mental health issues among teens and a shortage of providers? Why do you think that is? What are some possible solutions?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Graphix
- Publication date : May 6, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 384
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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