Audience: 12 years and up
Review by Kristen Higgason (she/her)
MLIS Student, Kent State University iSchool
M.Ed Student, Kent State University EHHS
Charlie, an openly-gay year 10, and Nick, a year 11 rugby player both attend an all-boys school in Britain and become the unlikeliest of friends. But is there more to the relationship than meets the eye?
The art is all drawn by the author, Alice Oseman. The art is simple but also helps push the story forward. The art is mostly black and white but there is a teal theme throughout (mostly in backgrounds or on accessories).
This book is so lovely. Not only do you get to read about the friendship between Charlie and Nick, but you get to see their relationship blossom because of the illustrations. This novel was originally a webcomic but was so popular that the story has been published in three volumes. If you pick up volume one you can see why so many people love seeing how Charlie and Nick become friends and grow their friendship. It’s a sweet story that sometimes deals with hard topics in a delicate and meaningful way. You will find a true friend in both Charlie and Nick. On top of Charlie and Nick, this volume is full of LGBTQ+ positive characters. Seeing an array of gender identities and sexualities is refreshing. You’ll love all of the side characters, too!