12 books to try if you liked Heartstopper!

Following the huge success of Alice Oseman's Heartstopper series, the GCH Library team have compiled a list of similar fiction books and graphic novels to read while you wait for volume 5!

Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzales 

Described as 'Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda meets Clueless in this boy-meets-boy spin on Grease', this high school romance is a perfect summer read for Heartstopper fans. 

What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera 

Arthur is working in New York for the summer when he bumps into Ben in a rom-com worthy meet-cute at the post office but is real life romance anything like he's seen on stage?

Filled with teen drama and pop culture references, What If It's Us is the highly successful collaborative effort of GCH favourites Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli. 

I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston 

Chloe Green has spent her entire high school career competing against model student and principal's daughter Shara Wheeler to finally win valedictorian but when Shara goes missing on prom night Chloe's plans are turned upside down. Forming an unlikely alliance with Shara's boyfriend and neighbor, the three students encounter secret clues, parties and break-ins in their mission to unravel the secrets of their small town and find Shara in time for graduation. 

Casey McQuiston's YA rom-com debut is a great choice if you enjoy the strong friendships of Alice Oseman's books and the mysteries of The Inheritance Games or One of Us is Lying. 

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Set in 1980s Texas, teenage boys Aristotle and Dante bond over their unusual names and grow closer over the years in this beautifully written coming of age story. Sharing Heartstopper's realism, Sáenz's novel is a brilliant 'slice of life' style novel full of love in all its many forms. 

Highly praised for its atmospheric writing and lyricism, Aristotle and Dante is an ideal relaxing summer read. 

Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks 

Deja and Josiah work together at a pumpkin patch and have been best friends for years. Pumpkinheads follows their adventure-packed last shift together as the two prepare to leave their town - but are they ready to leave each other behind?

Illustrated by Faith Hicks, this beautifully designed graphic novel has a very similar feel to that of Heartstopper with echoes of Nick and Charlie's relationship as the two students' friendship develops into romance.

Not My Problem by Ciara Smyth 

Set in Ireland, Not My Problem follows Aideen's attempts to solve her classmate's problems as she diligently avoids her own - while managing to consensually push her nemesis Meabh down a flight of stairs. 

Fans of Alice Oseman are bound to enjoy Ciara Smyth's unique queer rom-com which perfectly balances humour and adventure with real life issues in a genuine and thoughtful way. 

The Girl From The Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag 

Fifteen-year-old Molly is desperate to move away from her home on the island until her life changes when a mysterious girl named Keltie saves her life and changes it forever in this sweet coming of age story.

Molly Knox Ostertag explores themes of family, friendship,  romance and first love with a supernatural twist in this charming graphic novel suitable for students of all ages and perfect for fans of The Baby-Sitter's Club and Heartstopper

You Should See Me In a Crown by Leah Johnson 

Liz Lighty dreams of going to medical school but when the financial aid she needs to study falls through, she's forced to get inventive. 

Encouraged by her friends, Liz enters the running for Prom Queen with it's generous cash prize but the journey to the crown is far from easy!

Full of school drama, love, friendships and real life issues, Leah Johnson's debut rom-com is another great summer read.

Lumberjanes by N.D. Stevenson

Another GCH favourite! The Lumberjanes series chronicles the adventures of best friends Jo, April, Molly, Mal and Ripley as their activities at summer camp are repeatedly derailed by magical quests and supernatural interventions. 

With the first 13 volumes now available at the Library, Lumberjanes is a great series to get stuck into over the summer and a highly recommended choice if you loved Charlie, Tao, Aled and Elle's wholesome and realistic friendships. 

The following graphic novels are not currently available at GCH Library however we highly recommend them!

Bloom by Kevin Panetta

Ari is ready to move away from home and leave his family bakery behind when he meets Hector while interviewing candidates for his replacement. 

Full of beautiful illustrations and summer romance, this graphic novel is widely recommended for Heartstopper fans of all ages.

The Tea Dragon Society by Kay O'Neill 

Follow the adventures of blacksmith's apprentice Greta after she finds an usual little dragon and makes many new friends in this unusual, but undeniably wholesome, fantasy comic. 

 

Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker 

Featuring all the emotions of  Heartstopper with the fantasy of Sabrina, Mooncakes is a brilliant light-hearted read. 

Perfect for an autumnal afternoon, this tale of self-discovery is a great choice for fans of paranormal romance and adventure. 

And of course, Alice Oseman's other books! These are all available to borrow from St Michael's Library and can be reserved upon request. 

• Nick and Charlie (Heartstopper novella set after the events of the comics)
• Solitaire (Featuring Charlie's sister Tori Spring) 
• Loveless
• Radio Silence (Featuring Charlie's friend Aled)
• I Was Born For This