Happy Monday, everyone! I’m back today with another book recommendation post! Today we’re doing So You Liked Heartstopper! Heartstopper is a recent favorite graphic novel of mine, a whole series, actually. It’s being made into a Netflix series and ugh. I love it so much. It’s one of those feel good stories that will just make you feel happy and warm inside.
Most of Alice Oseman’s books have characters that carry over in other novels. I haven’t read all of them, but they are definitely on my list. This month’s playlist was also based on Heartstopper, in honor of Charlie! I know there’s only one volume left, but I wish they were never end!
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Heartstopper Read-A-Likes
Looking for a cute gay romance?
You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson
Liz is competing to be homecoming queen in order to win a scholarship in order to go to college. What she doesn’t plan on is falling in love with the competition. This is one of those books you’ll probably read in one sitting, because you won’t want to put it down!
The Sky Blues by Robbie Couch
Growing up in a small town, being out isn’t always easy for Sky. When Sky’s plan to ask his crush to homecoming gets leaked, his classmates surprise him with reasons to fight back. One of my favorite books I read this year, read more in my full review!
The Summer of Everything by Julian Summers
This summer, Wes is finally going to tell his best friend Nico that he loves him. He swears it. But when the indie bookstore he works at is going to be bought by a coffee change, his summer plans suddenly change. A cute summer romance with great, diverse rep.
Or maybe a book with bisexual characters?
Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli
Leah’s trying to work up the courage to come out to her friend group as bisexual. But as they all get ready to go off to college, she feels they fracturing. The follow-up to Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, this is a laugh out loud book you are sure to love!
Faith: Taking Flight by Julie Murphy
So far, Faith has had a pretty normal life. Until suddenly, she learns she can fly. And the crew of her favorite show, The Grove, comes to her home town to film. People are also starting to disappear. A superhero story featuring a bisexual, plus-sized superhero!
I’ll Be the One by Lyla Lee
Skye has always been told that she can’t. When she auditions for a K-Pop show, she dreams of proving them all wrong. What she doesn’t expect is to also find love. This is such a happy, upbeat book that will definitely make your summer!
Perhaps friends to lovers is your favorite trope.
Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed
Jamie and Maya started as partners canvasing for their local state senate candidate. Even though they’re originally thrown together by circumstance, they quickly become friends. And maybe even something more. A great political romance to read this summer!
I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver
When Ben comes out as nonbinary, they’re thrown out of their house by their parents. So they go to the only place they can think of, their sister’s house. It’s there they’re finally able to be who they are. And also find love! This book is amazing and cute and everyone should read it!
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
All Felix wants is to fall in love. When he starts to get transphobic messages, he creates a fake account to catch the culprit. Which unknowingly turns into a love triangle. Felix is such a wonderful main character, and his story is a perfect summer read.
Great friend squads for the win!
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
Blue is used to watching the soon-to-be dead with her mother every year. This year, things change when Blue is approached by Gansey, a boy at the local private school. A boy who might just need help. A great little squad, full of supernatural adventures.
Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
There are a lot of Becky Albertalli books on this list, oops. Simon is gay, but he isn’t out to his friends or family. When he’s blackmailed by a fellow student about his identity, he does anything he can to keep his secret safe. One of my favorite friend squads, ever!
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
Okay, this one isn’t exactly YA, but it definitely fits. August just moved to New York, ready to prove that cinematic love stories don’t exist. What she doesn’t expect is to fall for a girl on a train. A girl who just might be displaced from time.
Maybe you just want LGBTQ+ graphic novels.
Our Dreams at Dusk by Yuhki Kamatani
Tasuku is the new kid in town, terrified of being outed as gay. When he meets a mysterious woman, he might have just found a place where he can truly belong. A manga that’s sure to tug at your heartstrings.
The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen
Tiến enjoys reading his favorite fairytales with his parents as a way to help them with their English. But how does Tiến figure out how to tell his parents that he’s gay? This is a multi-layered story with gorgeous artwork that you’ll definitely read in one sitting.
The Girl at Sea by Molly Ostertag
Morgan has a lot of secrets. Not only does she want to leave her small island home as soon as she can, she also wants to kiss girls instead of boys. When a mysterious girl shows up on the island, she shows Morgan that she doesn’t have to hide. This is such a lovely, new graphic novel you’re sure to love!