Title: Heartstopper (Volume 1)
Author: Alice Oseman
ISBN: 9781444951387
Publisher: Hodder Children's Book
Copyright Date: 2019
Genre: Fiction, LGBTQIA+, Romance
Format: Graphic Novel
Reading Level/Interest Level: Grades 8-12, Ages 13-18
Awards or Honors: None
Plot Summary
Things are looking up for Charlie Spring: he’s a 10th Year at Truham Grammar School for Boys, and even though he was outed as being gay last year, he’s no longer being bullied. Nick Nelson, an 11th Year on the Rugby team, has heard about Charlie, but not much beyond that. When the two boys are sat next to one another in class one day, they strike up an easy friendship that leads to Charlie joining the Rugby team. As their friendship grows, Charlie quickly realizes he has romantic feelings for Nick but doesn’t think he has a chance with him, having assumed he was straight. But you never know what friendship could lead to, and Charlie begins to suspect there might be the potential for more between them.
Author Background
Alice Oseman is the author of four YA novels at the age of 28: her first, Solitaire, was published when she was only 19. Alice is both the author and illustrator of the graphic novel, Heartstopper, which originated as a webcomic. The graphic novel has been optioned for TV by Netflix with Alice serving as writer, creator, and executive producer (Oseman, n.d.).
Critical Evaluation
Though the art style for this graphic novel is fairly simple, the illustrator manages to convey a great deal of emotion through the character’s expressions. The characters of Nick and Charlie were fully realized and interacted in a genuine, heart-warming way. They have a true, tangible connection that manifests in a visual way that fits this choice of medium. Their relationship is also a good example to teens of what a healthy relationship looks like, with the portrayal of Charlie and Ben’s relationship as a contrast to an unhealthy one. I think teens will love the LGBTQIA+ representation in this graphic novel (I definitely did) and empathize with many of the situations in the story.
This volume is a slice of life that depicts a snapshot of these boys’ lives and the beginning of their relationship, setting the stage for more to come. The only thing I didn’t like about this graphic novel was where it ended in terms of the story. There is a huge cliffhanger at the end, which works well in the webcomic format, since readers are either waiting weekly to read the newest episode, or have saved up a number of episodes to binge, but for a physical graphic novel, I thought the ending was an odd choice. If I had known the ending would be so abrupt, I definitely would have ordered the second volume right away! Luckily, I was able to read all published episodes on Webtoons to get my fix.
Creative Use for a Library Program
Host a Mario Kart tournament for teens to enjoy one of Charlie and Nick’s favorite activities. Pizza and soda are encouraged!
Speed-Round Book Talk
A friendship that might lead to more takes center stage in this slice-of-life graphic novel about Charlie and Nick. Connecting over Rugby, Mario Cart, and snow days, these two teens may have much more in common than just their interests. See if romance is in the cards for Charlie and Nick with Heartstopper, a light-hearted story about life and love.
Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation
To date, there are no challenges to this graphic novel. However, there is actually quite a bit of cursing, as well as a non-consensual situation with violence that might be triggering for some teens. As a graphic novel, the visual medium definitely enhances any upsetting moments, though the depictions are definitely not overly graphic (no pun intended?). In defense of these issues, I find it unlikely that teens will start to curse suddenly because they are reading a graphic novel (if they’re already using that language, they’ll continue to do so regardless). For the non-consensual scene, though it is triggering, I think the fact that the character was able to get out of the situation puts a positive view on it and can reinforce for teens that this behavior is not appropriate and they should feel empowered to stand up for themselves if they ever feel uncomfortable.
Reason for Inclusion
Heartstopper is a work with excellent relationship building through images and dialogue, which I think can be hard to accomplish in a visual medium. With so much darkness happening in the world, this graphic novel is also a fun escape into a light-hearted story that has a deep emotional core.
References
Alice Oseman Updates [@AliceOseman]. (2019, June 4). Happy pride month from me & the Heartstopper boys!! (I have lots of time and energy to draw pride art [Tweet]. Twitter. https://twitter.com/aliceoseman/status/1135945421988216833
Chase1201. (2021, August 25). Heartstopper [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.deviantart.com/chase1201/art/Heartstopper-889855082
Kibss. (2021, July 14). I love them so much [Image]. Tumblr. https://kibsss.tumblr.com/post/656659539564904448/i-love-them-so-much
Livingincrisis. (2021, December 31). Nick n Charlie aesthetic [Image]. Tumblr. https://livingincrisis.tumblr.com/post/672159273910992896/nick-n-charlie-aesthetic
Oseman, A. (n.d.). Bio. Alice Oseman. https://www.aliceoseman.com/about
Oseman, A. (2019). Heartstopper [Cover Image]. Hodder Children's Book. Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com/Heartstopper-One-Alice-Oseman/dp/1444951386/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=heartstopper&qid=1648609095&sr=8-2
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