My only complaint about this series is that it keeps getting better with every book but I’ve run out of stars to be able to express this!

Heartstopper volume 4 returns to the lives of Nick and Charlie. They feel ready to say that they love each other, but there are some big obstacles to overcome. Including the possibility that Charlie is battling an eating disorder.

These books touch on so many important topics, but this one seemed to go even deeper. Charlie’s mental health journey is handled so sensitively but it has such a rawness too. The take home message from this book is that if you love someone with a mental health issue, your love won’t be able to cure them by magic. But if you stand by their side then recovery can happen, the future can be brighter. This storyline felt so profound to me, I really connected with it. I know that many other people will feel the same way.

I felt all my usual emotions whilst reading this. I laughed and I nearly cried. I never thought I would enjoy a graphic novel series like I have enjoyed these books. I was hesitant to try them but I am now kicking myself for waiting so long to be welcomed into Nick and Charlie’s wonderful world. I also managed to fall in love with a new character that was introduced- Henry, who has decidedly stolen my heart alongside Nellie. I love animals in books anyway, but seeing them drawn in the pictures just adds another layer of adoration. I think this is a highly important series for teens to read (and adults too!). They are such quick and easy reads, but with such profound and necessary messages. I’m going to be donating copies of each book to my old secondary school. I’m hoping they can help some of the students who pick them up.

I recommend these books to everyone! The style may be slightly too young for everyone’s tastes but if you have an interest in LGBT+ lives or mental health then I recommend these graphic novels!