If you clicked on this article chances are you watched Heartstopper on Netflix and have not been the same since. If you are like me, you are probably yearning for all the warm/fuzzy feels the series filled you with because you want more Queer joy and love in the world! Well, I tracked down a phenomenal list of readers on BookTok and Bookstagram that have fantastic recommendations of what you need to read next if you loved Heartstopper!
These readers and bookish creators have made binge worthy posts/TikToks of so many amazing books you have to read if you want to be filled with all the butterflies, stars, Queer joy, and love that Heartstopper filled you with. I asked each reader to pick one book they would recommend to us Heartstopper fans. So get ready to fill up your #TBR and while you are at it make sure you check out all their accounts for more bookish fun!
Lewis from @achilleanshelves on TikTok and Bookstagram recommends you read Running With Lions by Julian Winters
“It’s a feel-good Queer story that takes place at a soccer camp. It features the amazing friend dynamics familiar to Heartstopper fans and a wonderful MlM (Men loving Men) romance.” I want to add that Lewis created one of my favorite TikTok’s with wonderful Sapphic book recommendations similar to Heartstopper! I swooned and so will you when you check it out.
Jess SW from @bookographic on Bookstagram recommends you read Bloom by Kevin Panetta (author), Savanna Ganucheau (illustrator)
“Heartstopper is a book that squeezes your heart until it could just burst. If you’re looking for another tender Queer graphic novel that manages to give you the warm and fuzzies while also delving into the challenges of adolescence, check out Bloom, a romance between two young men set in a seaside bakery – *chefs kiss*! The characters navigate complicated family dynamics, the expectations of their friends, and young love over the course of a beautiful summer at the beach. And they even share some of their recipes in the book!”
Amelia from @whatameliareads on TikTok recommends you read Hani and Ishu’s Guide To Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar
“Hani and Ishu’s Guide To Fake Dating is a beautiful exploration of sexuality, religion, and community. The relationships between all the characters were so well developed and I especially loved the sisterly relationship as I did with Heartstopper. With a mix of romance that’s full of your favorite tropes to exploration of family relationships, biphobia, and racism you can’t help but root for Hani and Ishu as they navigate being Queer teenagers in Ireland.” Amelia also made a phenomenal TikTok with more book recommendations here!
DJ from @LifeinFiction on Bookstagram recommends you read Right Where I Left You by Julian Winters
“A friends-to-lovers teen romance that made me smile like a fool the entire time. Much like Heartstopper, it’s a celebration of friendship, family (both found and born), and the joy of young, Queer love. Julian expertly navigates tough topics with the utmost of care and, much like Oseman’s work, never loses sight of the core message that Queer teens are deserving of love, in all its forms. Read this if you want to feel as happy as you do whenever Charlie and Nick hug.”
Eytan from @sleepy_librarian on Bookstagram recommends you read Check, Please by Ngozi Ukazu
“A fun, sporty, graphic novel featuring Eric “Bitty” Bittle, a baker and a college freshman on the hockey team at Samwell University. Like Charlie falling hard for Nick, Bitty also catches feelings for someone – the definitely straight, captain of the hockey team, Jack Zimmermann.” Do yourself a favor and check out the very sweet review of Heartstopper Eytan wrote and while you are at it follow him on Instagram!
Lois from @loiereads on Bookstagram recommends you read Wranglestone by Darren Charlton
“Whilst this book has a whole different story-vibe to Heartstopper, you still get to experience that heartwarming friends-to-lovers relationship developing between two male friends. Plus there’s zombies, so what’s not to love!”. Over on her Bookstagram account Lois creates stunning reels with audio clips from the series while showing the comic edition and each video is so perfect. Make sure you check all of them out!
Liam from @perellapages on TikTok and Bookstagram recommends you read All That’s Left In The World by Erik J. Brown
“Imagine Heartstopper, Nick and Charlie and if they had to deal with life after a catastrophic event wiped out most of the population, it’s a story about survival, adapting, friendship, inner strength, finding your true authentic self, and a love most people dream of between two boys, Andrew and Jamie.”
Bryan from @Bryanhoardsbooks on TikTok and Bookstagram recommends you read Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzales
“This book has the same elements Heartstopper has, but with a completely different plot that you’ll surely enjoy if you loved the series. It’s a RomCom coming-of-age story and an M/M take on Grease about summer flings, coming out, and friendship groups! Please practice self-care by checking trigger warnings before reading it!”. Bryan also made this perfect TikTok with tons more recommendations to pick from, so make sure you check him out!
Jaime from @waucomabooks on TikTok and Bookstagram recommends you read The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
“The Prince and the Dressmaker is one of my favorite graphic novels. Similar to Heartstopper it is a book that I return to over and over. The characters are lovable, story is heartwarming, it’s got a great romance, and dare I say it has Heartstopper meets Bridgerton vibes. -Jamie Hollamon, Waucoma Bookstore, Hood River, OR
Rosa from @booksellerwithattitude on Bookstagram and Social Media/Marketing Manager over at @thirdplacebooks recommends you read Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
“Felix Ever After made me cry so much. It’s one of the few books that is told through the viewpoint of a Transgender teen. While the book has some really tough moments, a beautiful love story unfolds. Plus Kacen is a fantastic writer.” In additional to this recommendation, Rosa created a super cute Heartstopper post in which she pairs the characters from the series with books and its so spot on as well as perfect so definitely check it out!
Tori from @tjbookreviews on TikTok and Bookstagram recommends you read Cheer Up: Love and Pom Poms by Crystal Fraiser
“Cheer Up: Love and Pom Poms is a celebration of the Queer teen experience with fantastic representation, found family vibes and a sensational storyline about learning to love who you are.” In additional to that recommendation, Tori dropped some other amazing Sapphic books you should read as well in a viral TikTok you must check out!
Calvin from @thecalvinbooks on TikTok recommends you dive deep into exploring the rest of the books written by the author of Heartstopper – Alice Oseman: I Was Born for This, Loveless, Radio Silence, Solitaire
“I know that millions of people are trying to find something to fill the void Heartstopper has left in their lives. However I can assure you that there is absolutely nothing out there that will match Nick and Charlie’s story. Why you ask? Because I have personally spent the last 2 years desperately searching for something similar and have found nothing that has ever came close to comparing to Alice Osemans iconic novels. The Osemanverse is a universe consisting of the most accurate representation and storytelling. The way Alice is able to bring their queer characters to life is a talent which I have not seen in any other author. If you have already read the comics and the novellas (“Nick and Charlie”, “This Winter”) I would try out Alice Osemans other 4 novels: “Solitaire”, “Radio Silence” “loveless” and “I was born this way”. These are all similar to Heartstopper in diffrent ways and some even feature Heartstopper characters. Once you have burned through those the only thin left to do is wait for Alice Osman to finish writing the 5th graphic novel!”
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