Book Review
A short overview of this book
Heartstopper 2 by Alice Oseman is a graphic novel that continues the story of Nick and Charlie. Two best friends who fall in love. Two friends who happen to be boys.
Novels are a great way to help kids to understand diversity in relationships. This novel is also good for helping to understand the highs and lows of ‘falling in love’ and the journey of ‘coming out’.
You can learn more on this page, about how to talk to kids about sex education.
Ideal Age
Ideal for children aged 12 to 14+ years.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of Heartstopper 2 by Alice Oseman from Amazon.
Video Transcription
A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener
Hey there! Welcome to Sex Ed Rescue, I’m Cath Hak, your friendly sex educator. I run a YouTube channel and website where I help parents have better conversations with their kids about sex. Today, I want to talk about a book that I absolutely love called Heart Stopper 2 by Alice Oseman. It’s a fantastic read for tweens and teens who are exploring same-sex attraction.
I’m a big fan of books because they can be a great way to start conversations, especially when kids are younger. You can sit down with them and read together, and as they grow into their teenage years, books can still be a valuable tool for discussion. My own daughter, who is almost 14, and I borrowed the first book from the library. I read it and then passed it on to her, saying, Read this, it’s amazing! We had some really meaningful conversations about what it means to like someone and what it feels like to fall in love.
Now, even if your child isn’t same-sex attracted, this book is still a beautiful love story that they can enjoy. The first book introduced two guys who met and shared a kiss at the end. In this second book, the story continues as they navigate the complexities of their feelings. It’s not always easy for same-sex attracted individuals because there can be confusion and fear of misreading signals. On top of that, there’s the unfortunate reality of homophobia. One of the characters in the story is dealing with friends who are awkward and even homophobic, which adds another layer of difficulty to their relationship.
The book takes us on a journey as the characters try to figure out if they like each other, then muster up the courage to confess their feelings, and eventually start dating. They have to keep their relationship a secret because of the homophobic attitudes around them. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, but it’s also a story of growth and self-discovery. It explores the process of coming out and sharing their love with family and friends.
Reading this book reminded me of my own experiences of liking someone and being afraid to express my feelings. The intense emotions that come with being in love or attracted to someone are beautifully captured in these pages. The ending is particularly heartwarming, as one of the characters finally tells their mom about their relationship.
Books like Heart Stopper 2 are incredibly valuable, especially when it comes to discussing sexuality with tweens and teens. There aren’t many books out there that touch on these topics, but the ones that do are priceless. They can be a great way to start conversations with your kids or expand their understanding of different sexual orientations. I know it can be a bit tricky with older kids who might roll their eyes at the mention of a sex book, but some books will pique their curiosity and interest. It’s all about finding the right ones.
So, if you’re looking for a book that you can read yourself or share with your child, I highly recommend Heart Stopper 2. It’s a lovely love story that will open up opportunities for meaningful conversations. Give it a go and let me know what you think. Cheers!
