In the world of fiction, the space that's been carved out for marginalised people has been a small and uncomfortable one, often lacking in the things other people in society take for granted; things like tenderness, hope, and joy. Stories about the LGBTQ+ community have historically been grim, focusing on the hardships, struggles, and violence that people face simply by existing as queer in the world we live in. Heartstopper has its share of bittersweet moments, surely, but Alice Oseman has crafted an optimistic, uplifting, and wholesome love story that is a breath of fresh air after drowning in the waves of doomed romances between LGBTQ+ couples across all media and genres. There certainly is a time and place for all kinds of stories, but when the default narrative for a community is one of tragedy, it can be a heart-breaking experience navigating fiction, especially while young. Heartstopper is more than just a graphic novel, it's a much needed counter-narrative that features one of the best romances I've seen put to page, regardless of its intended audience. Set in an English high school, Heartstopper is the coming of age for the age we live in today; Charlie and Nick are a joy to read about, and I guaranteed this story will bring a smile to your face as you follow them on their journey as a couple. This slice-of-life takes its time, all the while managing, paradoxically, to be a page-turner that pulls you in with a charm only enhanced by its art style.
-Randi

Alice Oseman's four (almost 5!) volumes follow the story of Charlie Spring, an openly gay student at an all boys school. Him and his friends are able to navigate the highs and lows of highschool rugby, bullying and love with the help of each other. Oseman perfectly encapsulates the queer highschool experience in these feel-good graphic novels. - Evelyn, Camberwell store