I finally read this book for class, even after it had been recommended to me when I was a children's/teen librarian. I don't usually like graphic novels but I loved this! I even started watching Netflix's adaptation! ( )

This is the story of Charlie and Nick - an overthinking, openly gay boy who has gone through a difficult time, and the popular star of the school's rugby team, who befriends Charlie, which turns his life upside down.
I can only repeat what many others already wrote: This book is heart-warming and cute, and it feels like a hug. While the novel does not shy away from difficult topics (bullying, mental health problems, the difficulty of coming out), there are also so many good things: Friendship, hope, tender moments, safe spaces.
I cannot wait to read the next volume! ( )

just stab me

already

( )

Nick and Charlie are two teens who meet in an English high school. They come from two different worlds. Charlie is an openly gay student and Nick an adorably charming and popular Rugby player. They have an evolving friendship and are trying to figure out their feelings towards one another.

Review
I loved this graphic novel. Heartstopper was recommended to me by a friend before I knew it was a nutmeg nominee! I finished it in a day and I then read the entire series! The book had fun sketches and pastel tone graphics. The visuals really brought to life the emotions, feelings, tension and angst between the two boys.
Heartstopper was made into a TV show as well which some teens and adults will enjoy, but it was not my favorite. I feel like I never enjoy the movie or TV adaptations as much as the original book. ( )

1. LGBTQA+ representation through Charlie and Nick's relationship
2. Illustrations through primarily green and black drawings
3. Many pages were solely illustrations and no dialogue, which encourages the reader to use context clues from the pictures to determine what is happening/how the characters are feeling, rather than reading about it
4. Book 1 in a 6 part series
5. Heartstopper Volume 1 book talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilBv_43vi4E&pp=ygUWaGVhcnRzdG9wcGVyIGJvb2sgd...
6. Heartstopper reading and premiere "vlog": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5tHIwDD7pE&pp=ygUWaGVhcnRzdG9wcGVyIGJvb2sgd...
7. Author interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy-kMPCZA_U&pp=ygUWYWxpY2Ugb3NlbWFuIGludGVyd...
8. How to draw Nick and Charlie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4CDUUCtmxg&pp=ygUWYWxpY2Ugb3NlbWFuIGludGVyd...
9. Teaching notes and activities: https://www.hachette.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Heartstopper-and-Nick-and-...
10. 2024 Nutmeg High School Nominee
11. Contains text through dialogue, text messages, and journal entries ( )