Volume 5 of Heartstopper, Alice Oseman’s best-selling graphic novel series, is out today (December 7th), despite a school library ban in place for the collection in Florida, Oregon, and the issue is currently being debated in Iowa. The books, which inspired the hit Netflix show, follow Nick and Charlie as they meet and fall in love, with the next volume exploring their relationship even further.

Read: Heartstopper novels restricted to adults in Mississippi library amid new law

The Florida Freedom to Read Project disputes the idea that queer novels are ‘recruiting’ children into ‘the homosexual lifestyle’, instead pointing out that “Indoctrination happens when you remove access to ideas”.

Alice Oseman, the author and illustrator of Heartstopper, is well aware of the controversy surrounding her work and has been vocal about it. She believes that literature should be a gateway to understanding and empathy. In a statement earlier this year, she said, “Racism, homophobia and transphobia are thriving under the guise of ‘concern for children’. This is not just a US issue either, we’re seeing the exact same ‘concern’ here in the UK.”

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Despite these challenges, Heartstopper Volume 5 has been highly anticipated by fans, who have been eagerly waiting to see how Nick and Charlie’s love story continues to unfold. The book was released in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand on December 7th, 2023.

Love blossoms in volume 5: Nick and Charlie’s journey continues

Following on from volume four, where Nick and Charlie have finally said ‘I love you’ to each other, volume five will see their relationship continue, develop, and face new challenges. Oseman teased what readers can expect from this installment to Cosmopolitan UK: “There are so many treats in store for readers this time: we’ll see the gang in a sex education class, attending (and maybe even performing at) a gig, and on a road trip around the country. As we begin to approach the end of their time at school, everyone is asking themselves where their future will take them, and what might happen to the Paris Squad as they go their separate ways.”

Will there be a Heartstopper volume 6?

The popularity of the Heartstopper series has been remarkable, and fans will be pleased to know that there will be a surprise sixth volume, although it will be the final one in the series. Alice Oseman revealed her decision behind this unexpected addition, stating: “When I started working on volume five, I was struggling with where the story was going but I finally figured it out – I was trying to fit too much into one volume! I realised that I needed to properly explore how Nick and Charlie’s relationship progresses and give all the characters their moment to really shine.”

As Heartstopper Volume 5 hits the shelves, it not only continues to capture the hearts of readers but also serves as a symbol of resilience against censorship and discrimination. The series encourages empathy, acceptance, and the celebration of love in all its forms, making it a beacon of hope in a world where LGBTQ+ literature continues to face challenges.