Heartstopper – How Alice Oseman Inspired and Captured a Generation

Alice Oseman is an author of young adult fiction who has inspired many young people. With an amazing imagination and a pencil, she has managed to bring characters in her books to life. Oseman’s latest graphic novel series, Heartstopper, has been a massive hit with a range of generations around the world.

Whether you have read the books or watched the Netflix series, it always puts a smile on someone’s face. Heartstopper is about two boys (Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson) who meet at school and quickly become lovers. Joined by their friends, they show the rollercoaster of emotions that they go through in secondary school. These books cover all topics from being gay and transgender to eating disorders, encouraging more children to learn about why it is ok to be different.

To add to this, we watch Nick help Charlie through his battles with mental health, showing the tolls that eating disorders take on Charlie’s life, as well as the effects that it has on Nick too. With both of them being 15/16 years old, it seems like a big problem for the pair to handle. But once they open up to other people they trust, it all becomes a little more bearable.

Overall, with the characters being so loveable and the narrative’s ability to take you into Charlie’s world, Heartstopper is the perfect thing to snuggle up on the sofa, with a cup of tea or hot chocolate, to watch or read.

This was written by Isabella Martin during her work experience with Bath Festivals.