Monday, March 14, 2022

Heartstopper Volume 4

Heartstopper Volume 4


by Alice Oseman

Graphix, 2021. 350 pages. Young Adult Comics

Charlie and Nick's relationship has been going really well, and Charlie thinks he's ready to say those three little words: I love you--but Nick's got a lot on his mind, especially the thought of coming out to his dad and the fact that Charlie might have an eating disorder.

Charlie and Nick are back in this the fourth installment of Heartstopper. Now that most of their friends--and the school--know they are dating, Charlie and Nick look forward to just being a normal couple. But there is still pressure on Nick to come out to his dad and Charlie's "eating thing" is getting worse. Will Nick be able to convince Charlie to tell his parents and get some help? Will Nick's older brother "out" them to their dad?

This installment deals a lot with mental health issues. Charlie clearly has anorexia and some other mental health issues and the bulk of the story is about how Charlie and his family plus Nick set out to deal with those issues. It is a tender portrayal of mental health problems and is very clear that though Charlie chooses an inpatient program, that might not work for everyone. As always, Oseman is very positive and supportive in her portrayal of Nick and Charlie's growing relationship. She doesn't shy away from dealing with the discrimination they face and how different family members handle Nick's sexuality; however, she does focus on the sweet parts of first love and on a growing group of friends who are starting to become the people they want to be.

If you liked Heartstopper Volume 4, you might like:

Are You Listening?


by Tillie Walden

First Second, 2019. 305 pages. Young Adult Comics

A chance encounter sends runaway Bea on a journey through West Texas with Lou, who Bea must trust as she is driven to confront buried truths about loss and heartbreak.



The Girl from the Sea

by Molly Ostertag

Graphix, 2021. 245 pages. Young Adult Comics

Fifteen-year-old Morgan has a secret: She can't wait to escape the perfect little island where she lives. She's desperate to finish high school and escape her sad divorced mom, her volatile little brother, and worst of all, her great group of friends. . .who don't understand Morgan at all. Because really, Morgan's biggest secret is that she has a lot of secrets, including the one about wanting to kiss another girl. Then one night, Morgan is saved from drowning by a mysterious girl named Keltie. The two become friends and suddenly life on the island doesn't seem so stifling anymore. But Keltie has some secrets of her own. And as the girls start to fall in love, everything they're each trying to hide will find its way to the surface . . . whether Morgan is ready or not.

Witchlight


by Jessi Zabarsky

RH Graphic, 2021. 200 pages. Young Adult Comics

Meeting in the marketplace amid community fears about witchcraft, Sanja and Lelek begin uncovering difficult magical secrets about Lelek’s past while making unexpected discoveries about friendship, family and falling in love.

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