Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Krawczyk , based on child development research. How do we rate?
age 13+
Sweet romance continues in heartwarming graphic novel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
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Language
a lot
There are multiple uses of "f--k," "s--t," "d--k," and "ass." There's one use of "f-g."
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Sex, Romance & Nudity
some
There's a lot of intense kissing between the main couple. There are a few scenes where they are making out in one of their bedrooms with the door closed, lying together kissing while fully-clothed.
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Violence & Scariness
a little
There's a fist fight between two teens boys after one uses a homophobic slur. There are references to past bullying.
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Products & Purchases
very little
Characters refer to Gryffindor and Slytherin from the Harry Potter series. Singer Zayn Malik from One Direction is mentioned. Teens communicate primarily through texting on their smartphones. A two-page spread at the back of the book shows the preferred clothing styles (ie. skinny jeans, joggers, plaid shirts) of Charlie and Nick, though name brands are not specified.
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Positive Messages
a lot
Be yourself and follow your heart. Compassion and empathy are important in supportive relationships. Friendship and romance can be found in unexpected places. There are multiple sexual identities besides gay and straight.
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Positive Role Models
a lot
Both Nick and Charlie are caring and complex teen boys with a range of interests, from academics to music to sports to video games. Nick is open-minded and compassionate. Charlie is empathetic and understanding as Nick considers his sexual identity. Many teen friends are accepting and encouraging of Nick and Charlie's relationship. Charlie's dad offers him an escape in an uncertain social situation. Nick's mom is compassionate and understanding when he comes out to her as bisexual.
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Diverse Representations
a lot
A range of sexual identities are portrayed in positive and affirming ways. Characters, regardless of sexuality, have unique backgrounds, interests, and personalities. Charlie is gay, and Nick is bisexual. There's a lesbian couple and a trans girl in their social circles. Nick and Charlie are depicted as White. A few secondary characters are drawn with darker skin tones. Tao's name and physical portrayal suggest Asian heritage.
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Educational Value
a little
U.S. readers may learn some about British customs and terms ("jumper," "conservatory"). Readers are exposed to a variety of sexual identities.
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Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Heartstopper: Volume 2 by Alice Oseman is a graphic novel about the romance between British teens Charlie and Nick that began in Heartstopper: Volume 1. This volume has the same blue-toned illustrations and hand-lettered text as the first. The books are also adapted into the popular Heartstopper Netflix series. The second book continues to explore identity and sexuality in open and affirming ways. Teens with a range of sexual identities are complex and diverse. Compassion and empathy are highlighted. There are a few references to past homophobic bullying behavior. Two teen boys get in a fist fight after one calls another character a "f-g." Other swear words include "f--k," "s--t," "d--k," and "ass." The main couple kiss passionately while fully-clothed, sometime behind closed doors in their bedrooms.
Parent and Kid Reviews
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- Parents say (1)
- Kids say (3)
age 14+
Based on 1 parent review
Katherine R. Parent of 12, 14, 18+, 18+, 18+ and 5-year-old
July 13, 2024
age 14+
Rate book
See all 1 parent review
What's the Story?
In HEARTSTOPPER: VOLUME 2, the surprising romance between friends Nick and Charlie, which started in Volume 1, continues. Smart, multi-talented Charlie is out as gay and has fallen for his friend Nick. Outgoing rugby player Nick is both excited and confused by his romantic feelings for Charlie after their first kiss. Despite clear and committed intentions toward Charlie, Nick grapples with questions about his sexuality. Charlie agrees to a secret relationship for now. As their relationship deepens, they deal with questions from friends and homophobia from others. How will Nick and Charlie respond? Will they share their relationship with those closest to them? Can their relationship survive in secrecy?
Is It Any Good?
Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (3):
This is an engaging and heartwarming follow-up to the first volume. In Heartstopper: Volume 2, Nick and Charlie deal with the aftermath of their first kiss and the consequences of their growing romantic feelings. The blue-toned illustrations and hand-lettered text add to the story's charm. Many teen readers will relate to the tentativeness of a new romance. LGBTQIA+ readers will especially appreciate the affirming portrayal of a very authentic queer couple, as well as the inclusion of complex, interesting lesbian and trans characters. While one teen boy is openly homophobic, the majority of teen and adult characters are compassionate, supportive, and empathetic. Readers will be excited to continue reading about Charlie and Nick's charming romance!
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about sexuality and gender in Heartstopper: Volume 2. Nick knows he has romantic feelings for Charlie but isn't sure how to label himself. What does he decide? Other characters identify as gay, lesbian, straight, or trans. Do you think it's important to name sexual and gender identities? Why or why not?
Charlie's out as gay while Nick is still confused about his sexuality. In what ways is Charlie empathetic toward Nick? How does this help Nick? Is it easy for Charlie? Why or why not?
Charlie's family accepts his sexuality. When Nick tells his mom that he's bisexual, she's also affirming and compassionate. They're fortunate to have supportive parents. Can you think of a time when you were worried to tell your parents something? Why? How did it go?
Book Details
- Author: Alice Oseman
- Illustrator: Alice Oseman
- Genre: Graphic Novel
- Topics: Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, High School
- Character Strengths: Compassion, Empathy
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Graphix
- Publication date: November 10, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 13 - 18
- Number of pages: 320
- Available on: Paperback, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle, App
- Last updated: June 12, 2024
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Heartstopper: Volume 2
Suggest an Update
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