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Quick answer: If you loved Heartstopper by Alice Oseman, try Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli, Check, Please! by Ngozi Ukazu, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, Bloom by Kevin Panetta, Radio Silence by Alice Oseman and Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston.
Heartstopper follows Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson, two British schoolboys who become friends and slowly fall in love. Alice Oseman’s gentle graphic novels, and the Netflix series they inspired, gave many readers a queer love story that is kind, hopeful and full of everyday moments. If you’re looking for that same warm feeling, the picks below include graphic novels, YA novels and a few adult books with sweet LGBTQ+ romance and strong friendships. We’ve noted which picks are for older readers.
Table of Contents
Why Readers Love Heartstopper
Readers love Heartstopper because it is soft without being shallow. Alice Oseman shows the flutter of a first crush, the fear of coming out and the comfort of good friends, and she also handles harder topics such as bullying, eating disorders and mental health with care. Nick and Charlie’s relationship feels safe and real, and the supporting cast, from Tao and Elle to Tara and Darcy, is just as lovable. The drawings, with their famous leaves and sparks, make every big moment feel magical.
How We Chose These Books
Every pick below shares at least one thing readers loved about Heartstopper: its characters, its mood, its setting or the questions it raises. We mixed well-known favorites with a few less obvious choices, and we noted the genre and who each book suits best in the table, so you can scan for the right fit before you read the blurbs.
We kept every description spoiler-free and flagged mature content where it matters, since some of these books are written for adults and others suit teens. If you’re not sure where to start, the tips near the end of this list match each pick to what you loved most. The FAQ at the bottom answers the questions readers ask most often.
Quick Picks at a Glance
| Book | Author | Genre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda | Becky Albertalli | YA romance | A funny coming-out story |
| Check, Please! | Ngozi Ukazu | Graphic novel | Sports and sweet romance |
| Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Benjamin Alire Sáenz | YA fiction | Quiet, lyrical love |
| Bloom | Kevin Panetta | Graphic novel | Summer romance |
| Radio Silence | Alice Oseman | YA fiction | More Alice Oseman |
| Red, White and Royal Blue | Casey McQuiston | Romance | Older teens and adults |
| Loveless | Alice Oseman | YA fiction | Asexual representation |
| Felix Ever After | Kacen Callender | YA fiction | Identity and first love |
| The Prince and the Dressmaker | Jen Wang | Graphic novel | Fairy tale vibes |
| They Both Die at the End | Adam Silvera | YA fiction | Emotional reads |
| Cemetery Boys | Aiden Thomas | YA fantasy | Romance with magic |
| I Wish You All the Best | Mason Deaver | YA fiction | Found family |
| Boyfriend Material | Alexis Hall | Romance | Adults who love British humor |
| Heartstopper Yearbook | Alice Oseman | Companion book | Superfans |
| You Should See Me in a Crown | Leah Johnson | YA romance | Joyful prom stories |
1. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
Simon, a closeted high schooler, falls for an anonymous classmate over email, until a blackmailer threatens to out him. It’s warm, funny and became the film Love, Simon.
2. Check, Please! by Ngozi Ukazu
Bitty, a former figure skater and baking vlogger, joins a college hockey team and falls for its captain. It’s cozy and funny.
3. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Two Mexican American boys in 1980s El Paso form a deep friendship that becomes more. It’s poetic and much loved.
4. Bloom by Kevin Panetta
Ari wants to leave his family’s bakery, until he starts baking with a new hire named Hector. The art is soft and dreamy.
5. Radio Silence by Alice Oseman
Frances, a high achiever, befriends Aled, the shy creator of a podcast she loves. It’s about friendship, pressure and finding your own path.
6. Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
The son of the US president falls for a British prince. It’s funny and swoony, with some explicit scenes, so it suits older readers.
7. Loveless by Alice Oseman
Georgia starts university and realizes she may be aromantic and asexual. It’s a heartfelt story about friendship as love.
8. Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
Felix, a Black trans teen, plans revenge on an anonymous bully and finds love along the way. It’s honest and hopeful.
9. The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
A young dressmaker designs gowns for a prince who secretly loves wearing dresses. It’s sweet and beautifully drawn.
10. They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
Two boys learn they will die within a day and spend it together. It’s sad but full of life.
11. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
Yadriel, a trans boy, summons a ghost to prove he’s a real brujo and gets the wrong one. It’s fun and romantic.
12. I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver
After coming out as nonbinary, Ben is thrown out by their parents and finds support with their sister and a new friend.
13. Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall
A messy celebrity’s son fake-dates a buttoned-up lawyer. It’s hilarious and warm, written for adults.
14. Heartstopper Yearbook by Alice Oseman
A collection of art, mini comics and behind-the-scenes notes about the characters. It’s perfect for fans waiting for more.
15. You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson
Liz runs for prom queen to win a scholarship and falls for the new girl. It’s funny and uplifting.
How to Pick Your Next Read After Heartstopper
- Want another graphic novel? Check, Please!, Bloom and The Prince and the Dressmaker.
- Want more Alice Oseman? Radio Silence, Loveless and Solitaire.
- Want a funny YA romance? Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda.
- Want something poetic? Aristotle and Dante.
- Want adult romance? Red, White and Royal Blue and Boyfriend Material.
- Check the ages. Most picks suit 13+, while Red, White and Royal Blue has explicit scenes.
The Alice Oseman Universe
Heartstopper is part of a connected world. Solitaire, Oseman’s first novel, is narrated by Charlie’s older sister Tori and features Charlie and Nick as side characters. Nick and Charlie is a novella about the couple as Nick prepares to leave for university, and This Winter is a short story about the Spring family at Christmas. Radio Silence and Loveless are standalone novels set in the same world, with characters who occasionally cross over. Solitaire is darker than Heartstopper, so it suits older teens.
Related: what age Heartstopper is appropriate for and best books for 14-year-old girls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What book is most like Heartstopper?
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda and Check, Please! are the closest matches.
What age is Heartstopper for?
Heartstopper is usually recommended for ages 12 and up. Later volumes cover eating disorders and mental health.
What should I read after Heartstopper?
Try Alice Oseman’s Radio Silence and Loveless, then Aristotle and Dante or Bloom.