Alice Oseman's Heartstopper: Volume One has been widely praised for its charming and heartfelt representation of LGBTQ+ youth. Reviewers commend its relatable characters and engaging illustrations. Some critique the plot for being predictable but agree that its emotional depth compensates for simplicity. A touching and meaningful read for diverse audiences.

Fans of LGBTQ+ teen romance and coming-of-age stories, especially readers of Becky Albertalli's Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda and Rainbow Rowell's Carry On, will enjoy Heartstopper: Volume One by Alice Oseman. It blends heartfelt friendships, charming illustrations, and an exploration of identity and love.

Heartstopper: Volume One by Alice Oseman follows Charlie, a shy boy who becomes friends with Nick, a friendly rugby player, after they are seated together in a new registration class. Charlie, who has faced bullying for being gay, develops a crush on Nick, initially believing him to be straight. Their friendship deepens, leading to moments of connection and confusion as they navigate their feelings for each other.

Heartwarming / Romantic / Emotional / Inspirational

- Heartstopper: Volume One initially started as a webcomic on Tumblr and Tapas in 2016 before being published in print in 2019.
- The author and illustrator, Alice Oseman, began writing her debut novel, Solitaire, at the age of 17, and she self-taught to draw to create Heartstopper.
- Heartstopper has been adapted into a Netflix series, which gained significant popularity, expanding the webcomic's fanbase even further.

**Charlie Spring**  
Charlie is the story's protagonist, a year 10 student at Truham Grammar School for Boys, who is openly gay and also a drummer. He struggles with shyness and insecurity at school but finds himself gaining popularity after facing bullying.

**Nicholas (Nick) Nelson**  
Nick, the deuteragonist, is a friendly and open-minded year 11 student at Truham who plays on the rugby team. He becomes friends with Charlie and is supportive and kind-hearted.

**Ben**  
Ben is the boy Charlie is initially involved with at school. He is not openly gay and tries to keep his relationship with Charlie a secret, often acting controlling and aggressive.

**Tao Xu**  
Tao is Charlie’s skeptical and judgmental friend at school. He is protective and often voices doubts about Charlie’s new friendships.

**Tara Jones**  
Tara is a girl from a nearby all-girls school, known for a past dance with Nick. She becomes an unexpected source of support for Nick.

**Victoria “Tori” Spring**  
Tori is Charlie’s older sister, who is protective and understanding of him. She is quietly supportive and comforting to Charlie.

Alice Oseman

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Heartstopper

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Heartstopper: Volume One Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter 1 Heartstopper: Volume One Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

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Heartstopper: Volume One Character Analysis

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Heartstopper: Volume One

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