How to Love

LoveReading4Kids Says

November 2023 Graphic Novel of the Month

This genuinely is “a guide to feelings and relationships for everyone” just as the subtitle states. Taken from an original webcomic on WEBTOON, which had over 11 million views, it transfers perfectly to this graphic novel book format. The webcomic had been intended to be a humorous parody of stereotypical guidance on love but quickly became a more genuine agony aunt source of advice.

Each strip in the book features a different question about relationships. But the focus isn’t on providing perfectly correct answers but on engaging in honest, introspective self-questioning. Understanding and respecting yourself is a big theme throughout.

Written from a queer perspective but really celebrating individual differences, and all genders and orientations, this feels genuinely inclusive and to be asking just the sort of questions that young people have, as they navigate all sorts of relationships including friendships as well as romantic liaisons.

The cartoons are certainly quirky but even in their candy-coloured tones manage to express diversity. Full of humour, positivity and warmth and almost embarrassingly accurate at times, this is a really accessible, sensible and valuable addition to any home or library. I am particularly taken by the Outroduction at the end of the book. “A book doesn’t really have any meaning… until it is understood by someone. …Hopefully , these pages…. have made you feel understood too” I am quite sure they will!

Joy Court

Find This Book In