AUGUST 2023 - AudioFile
Jenny Walser, Joe Jameson, and Aaron Barashi convincingly portray the perspectives of siblings Tori, Charlie, and Oliver in this sweet novella set in the HEARTSTOPPER universe. What begins as a cozy Christmas morning turns fraught. Tori wants to support Charlie, who was recently hospitalized for an eating disorder, but finds it hard to connect. When extended family arrives for Christmas dinner, Charlie argues with his mom and escapes to his boyfriend's house. Walser expresses Tori's empathy and worry, and while Jameson has the unenviable task of narrating text message exchanges between Charlie and boyfriend Nick, he nails Charlie's personality and complicated feelings. As Oliver, Barashi sounds exactly like a 7-year-old who just wants to spend the holiday with his brother and sister and play with his new toys. J.M.D. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
From the Publisher
Praise for the Heartstopper series:
New York Times Bestseller
USA Today Bestseller
National Indie Bestseller
American Booksellers Association Indie Next Pick
YALSA Great Graphic Novels Selection
YALSA Quick Pick for Young Adult Readers
"Absolutely delightful. Sweet, romantic, kind. Beautifully paced. I loved this book." — Rainbow Rowell, author of Carry On
"You'll smile watching Charlie and Nick open up to one another, and sigh as they tiptoe into romance… falling in love doesn’t get more charming than this." — Ngozi Ukazu, New York Times bestselling author of Check, Please!
* "Incredibly lovable from start to finish." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Realistic yet uplifting, this tale of self-discovery will make readers' hearts skip a beat." — School Library Journal
"With all the blushing and awkward glances, it's difficult not to be charmed… The romance and realistic fiction will draw readers in to this sweet story." — Booklist
"Will win readers with its sweet romance, its queer-friendly storyline, and its light-touch relationship drama… This graphic novel lives up to its heart-stopper title." — The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"I was blown away. It's very tender, real, and wholesome. I read each book in one sitting." — The Nerd Daily
AUGUST 2023 - AudioFile
Jenny Walser, Joe Jameson, and Aaron Barashi convincingly portray the perspectives of siblings Tori, Charlie, and Oliver in this sweet novella set in the HEARTSTOPPER universe. What begins as a cozy Christmas morning turns fraught. Tori wants to support Charlie, who was recently hospitalized for an eating disorder, but finds it hard to connect. When extended family arrives for Christmas dinner, Charlie argues with his mom and escapes to his boyfriend's house. Walser expresses Tori's empathy and worry, and while Jameson has the unenviable task of narrating text message exchanges between Charlie and boyfriend Nick, he nails Charlie's personality and complicated feelings. As Oliver, Barashi sounds exactly like a 7-year-old who just wants to spend the holiday with his brother and sister and play with his new toys. J.M.D. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
2023-07-13
When Charlie returns home from in-patient anorexia treatment in a psychiatric ward, he and his older sister, Tori, navigate a difficult Christmas with their family in this Heartstopper novella.
Tori thought her parents might learn to open up after Charlie started treatment, but they—especially Mum—still avoid discussing anything serious. Now that Charlie is home from the hospital, all Tori wants is to spend time with him, but the pressure of the holiday increases family tensions and threatens to drive Charlie away. Set during unexplored moments of Volume 4 of the Heartstopper graphic-novel series, this three-chapter novella zooms in on Christmas Day. Each chapter moves the story forward from a different perspective, shifting from Tori to Charlie to their 7-year-old brother, Oliver. Nick, Charlie’s boyfriend, makes an appearance as a source of comfort, but the conflict focuses on Charlie and his family. As Tori tries to support Charlie, she wrestles with guilt and loneliness. Meanwhile, Charlie and his mum, who both want a normal holiday, keep clashing. Although the story handles heavy themes of mental illness, Oseman balances the fraught emotions with tender moments and a hopeful but honest outlook on recovery that emphasizes the value of therapy. There will be greater emotional impact for those familiar with the original stories, but as a bonus entry, this novella has high appeal for devoted fans. Occasional illustrations add to the charm.
Short and sweet. (resources) (Fiction. 14-18)
