Recommended Reads for Fans of Heartstopper

Jay’s Guide to Crushing It by Ruby Clyde

“Jay wants to keep their mum happy, so they follow Mum’s plan to start looking and acting like a girl. But then Jay gets tangled up in a crush with Alex, a closeted boy at the skate park who thinks they are a boy. But is their friend Mina flirting with Jay… as a girl? Can Jay keep their different worlds from colliding?”

This lighthearted reflection on identity, gender, and the politics of teenage dating is a quintessential romantic comedy, showing readers that sometimes the basics can be quite complicated…

Date Me, Bryson Keller by Kevin van Whye

“Everyone at Fairvale Academy knows Bryson Keller, the super-hot soccer captain who doesn’t believe in high-school relationships. They also know about the dare Bryson accepted – each week he has to date the first person who asks him out. A single school week is all anyone gets. There have been no exceptions to this. None. Until me, that is. Because brilliant Bryson Keller forgot one thing. He never said it could only be girls…”

With fake dating, high school drama, and a heartwarming story of first love, this book is a must-read for fans of Heartstopper and To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before.

Black Flamingo by Dean Atta

Michael waits in the stage wings, wearing a pink wig, pink fluffy coat and black heels. One more step will see him illuminated by spotlight. He has been on a journey of bravery to get here, and he is almost ready to show himself to the world in bold colours… Can he emerge as The Black Flamingo?

The latest novel from Dean Atta, named “one of poetry’s greatest modern voices”, follows the story of Michael, a young gay drag artist, on his journey to find his wings.

Love Frankie by Jaqueline Wilson

Growing up. First attraction. Coming out. Are Frankie and Sally just friends – or girls in love?

Love Frankie is a heartfelt tale of friendship, first love, and growing up from bestselling author Jacqueline Wilson.

Melissa by Alex Gino

When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she’s not a boy. She knows she’s a girl.

Previously published as George, Melissa is a stunning debut from Alex Gino about a girl who was born a boy, but refuses to let that stand in the way of her dream.

They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera

On September 5th, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: they’re going to die today. Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but, for different reasons, they’re both looking to make a new friend on their End Day.

A love story like no other, this Tiktok-famous novel is a must-read. They Both Die At The End will leave you heartbroken and yet hopeful, with themes of love, loss, and grief.

The Language of Seabirds by Will Taylor

Jeremy is not excited about the prospect of spending the summer with his dad and his uncle in a seaside cabin in Oregon. On his first day he takes a walk on the beach and finds himself intrigued by a boy his age running by. Eventually, he and Runner Boy (Evan) meet—and what starts out as friendship blooms into something neither boy is expecting… and also something both boys have been secretly hoping for.

This touching story features a heart-melting romance, alongside themes of toxic masculinity, divorce, and family.

The Girl From The Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag

Fifteen-year-old Morgan has a secret, she dreams of kissing another girl. Then one night, Morgan is saved from drowning by a mysterious girl named Keltie. As the girls start to fall in love, will what they’re hiding come to the surface?

The Girl From The Sea is a stunningly illustrated coming-of-age story, exploring first love, secrets, and relationships.

Alice Oseman Pack x 6

Finally, why not read more of Alice Oseman’s award-winning bibliography?