Preteen girl looking at a cell phone with her parents

Family movie night? There's an app for that

Download our new mobile app on iOS and Android.

Get the app
Parents' Guide to

Heartstopper, Volume 4

By Mary Krawczyk, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Popular series tells of mental health, healing in 4th book.

Book Alice Oseman Graphic Novel 0222
Heartstopper, Volume 4 book cover: Light-haired boy and dark-haired boy seen from behind stand with arms around each other wearing winter coats

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

See all

There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

What's the Story?

In HEARTSTOPPER, VOLUME 4, the story opens with Charlie journaling about whether he should tell Nick "I love you." While the couple enjoy a beach trip with friends, it's clear that Charlie still has eating issues. Nick encourages Charlie to tell his parents about his struggles with eating and mental health. Charlie's parents are supportive but unable to get an appointment with a specialist for a few months. Charlie's mental health gets worse. He's hospitalized and then enters an inpatient treatment for several weeks. Can Nick and Charlie's relationship handle all these challenges? Will Charlie begin to heal? A ten-page spread at the end of the book relates "firsts" in the romance between teachers Mr. Farouk and Mr. Ajayi. A list of mental health resources is also included.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (1 ):

The fourth volume in the series is a departure from the mostly heartwarming story that unfolded in the first three. In Heartstopper, Volume 4, much of the focus is on Charlie's mental health. The book is illustrated in Alice Oseman's charming style, and there are still many sweet moments between Charlie and Nick. However, less of the action unfolds in real time and there's more factual content about mental health woven throughout. Jumps in time, a few months each, are told in flashbacks in Nick's and Charlie's journals, each from their point of view. Still, Charlie and Nick, along with the supporting cast of characters, are as endearing and engaging as ever. Readers who've struggled with mental health will identify with their struggles. It's important to note, however, that the content may be triggering to some. Overall, Charlie's diagnosis, treatment, and healing journey are realistic, relevant, and relatable. His courage and perseverance, as well as the compassion and support of his family and friends, are an inspiration, and are likely to give hope to readers facing similar issues.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Charlie's mental health journey in Heartstopper, Volume 4. How does Charlie show courage throughout his treatment? What helps him persevere as he continues to heal? Have you gotten through something really hard? What helped most?

  • Through Charlie's hospitalization and afterward, what are some ways that Charlie's family and friends show compassion, understanding, and support?

  • Charlie and his family struggle to get into treatment for his mental health concerns and he gets worse without treatment. Have you heard that there's an increase in mental health issues among teens and a shortage of providers? Why do you think that is? What are some possible solutions?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended book lists

Related Topics

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate