The Heartstopper Series – Alice Oseman

Having read these as “research” for my 12 year old niece, I’ve found myself really enjoying them.

Verdict one: I think said niece is still a tad too young for some of the vocabulary used, but the themes are super important and she should read them in the not too distant future.

Verdict two: the characters and plot are perfect. The series tells a wholesome and sweet tale of first love, coming out and navigating the early days of adulthood. Oseman explores sexuality, mental health and other nuanced topics so important in our teenage years. As a woman well into my 30s, I wish there had been something like this when I was younger. Secretly passing Judy Blume around just wasn’t good enough, really.

All of the books in this series earned ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. As a teacher, I’d be happy for students to read all books, and as a mother and an auntie, my little people must read them (just maybe when they’re a little older than 12, sorry!)