Heartstopper by Alice Oseman is a heartwarming and relatable graphic novel series that has captured the hearts of readers worldwide. It depicts the blossoming relationship between two high school boys, Nick and Charlie, and explores themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery. If you’ve fallen in love with Heartstopper and are looking for similar LGBTQ+ romances, we’ve got you covered! Here are 10 books like Heartstopper that will capture your heart just like the graphic novels did.
Am I Blue? Coming Out from the Silence by Marion Dane Bauer
Am I Blue? Coming Out from the Silence, compiled by Marion Dane Bauer, is a remarkable anthology of short stories exploring LGBTQ+ themes. The collection features diverse voices from renowned authors such as Francesca Lia Block, Bruce Coville, and Lois Lowry, among others. Each story delves into the experiences of young people grappling with their sexual identity and the challenges they face in a world that often misunderstands or rejects them.
The anthology offers a powerful and empathetic portrayal of the struggles, triumphs, and emotions that come with coming out and accepting oneself. The stories are a testament to the importance of representation and the need for acceptance and understanding. Through vivid storytelling, the authors highlight the universal human desire for love, acceptance, and freedom to be true to oneself. Am I Blue? is a compelling collection that speaks to the LGBTQ+ experience with sensitivity and compassion.
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender is a heartfelt and poignant coming-of-age novel that explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and first love. The story follows Felix Love, a transgender teen artist, as he navigates his final year of high school and grapples with his own insecurities and desires for acceptance.
Callender’s writing is rich and introspective, allowing readers to immerse themselves in Felix’s journey of self-acceptance and the challenges of finding love and validating his own worth. With its authentic portrayal of the transgender experience, Felix Ever After is a compelling and necessary read that shines a light on the beauty and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community.
A Certain Hunger by Chelsea G. Summers
A Certain Hunger by Chelsea G. Summers is a darkly comedic and provocative novel that explores the life of Dorothy Daniels, a pansexual food critic and sociopath. Known for her insatiable appetite-driven desires, Dorothy’s unapologetic exploration of pleasure and power challenges societal norms in a thrilling and unconventional way. Summers’ writing is sharp and witty, immersing readers in Dorothy’s twisted world as she navigates her own desires while excelling in her professional career. With its bold exploration of sexuality, power dynamics, and the blurred lines between pleasure and pain, A Certain Hunger is a gripping and unforgettable story that embraces the unconventional with audacious fervour.
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
This delightful novel takes readers on an unexpected romance between the First Son of the United States and a British prince. The story follows Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States, who falls in love with Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor, the Prince of England. Set in America in 2016, the novel explores their relationship as Alex’s mother, Ellen Claremont is elected president.
As the two young men navigate their developing feelings for each other, Red, White & Blue delves into themes of love, identity, and challenges of public scrutiny. While it explores the struggles of balancing personal desires and public obligations, it’s a witty and swoon-worthy story that will leave you feeling giddy.
Autoboyography by Christina Lauren
The story revolves around two boys Sebastian and Tanner who fall in love in a writing class. One comes from a progressive family, while the other comes from a conservative religious community. It beautifully portrays the challenges they face in embracing their feelings for each other.
Described as a blend of Fangirl and Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda, Autoboyography delves into the complexities and challenges faced by the characters as they navigate their feelings for each other and the cultural and religious pressures surrounding them.
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
They Both Die at the End is set in a world where people receive a call on the day they are going to die. The story follows the lives of two teenagers, Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio, who connect through an app called Last Friend after they receive a call from Death-Cast.
As Mateo and Rufus meet they decide to spend their last day together, they form a bond and embark on an adventure, reflecting on their lives and contemplating what it means to truly live and make meaningful connections with others. It’s a bittersweet story about living life to the fullest.
Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters
Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters is a groundbreaking and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of gender and identity. Set in New York City, the novel follows the lives of three characters who are grappling with issues of parenthood, transitioning, and detransitioning. Peters takes a nuanced approach to these topics, challenging traditional notions of gender and societal expectations.
Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
This mythological, historical fiction novel tells the story of the famous Greek hero Achilles through the eyes of his companion, Patroclus. The book revolves around the central relationship between Patroclus and Achilles as they grow up together and fall deeply in love. Set against the backdrop of the Trojan War, the novel explores their epic journey and battle for their ultimate fates.
The Holiday Trap by Roan Parrish
The Holiday Trap is a romance novel with themes of heartbreak and healing. Set during the holiday season, the book is about Truman Belvedere, who is devastated to discover that his boyfriend has been leading a secret life with a husband and a daughter. In search of solace and a fresh state, Truman seeks refuge far away from his home city New Orleans, hoping to mend his broken heart.
Truman finds himself in a new place, where he meets Greta Russakoff and her tight-knit family. Greta is having the opposite experience, she lives in a small community with an overbearing family. To get away from her family, she and Truman decide to swap places. Truman will stay at Greta’s place, while Greta will go to New Orleans and stay at Truman’s.
Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
Written by Becky Albertalli, this young adult novel follows the story of Simon Spier a 16-year-old high school junior who is hiding the fact that he is gay. Set in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, Simon leads a seemingly perfect life with loving parents, a younger sister and close friends. However, he keeps his sexual orientation a secret from everyone, including his family and friends.
Simon finds solace in exchanging anonymous emails with a person named “Blue,” who is also gay and attending his high school. When a classmate, Martin discovers these emails and threatens to explore Simon’s secret. Simon must navigate the complexities of protecting his identity, coming out and finding the courage to be himself.
If you fell head over heels for the heartwarming and inclusive world of Alice Oseman’s graphic novels, these 10 books like Heartstopper will capture your heart in similar ways. Have you read Heartstopper? Have read any of these books? Comment below and let us know.