I really, really enjoyed reading this book! It was nothing like I expected. I will admit that I was a little confused in the beginning with the random words and not really understanding what was happening. Once it was explained about her ability it all made it sense. I enjoyed the character building between the friends, the only thing that I wished was different was if we got a little more background on Jude. He seemed interesting and I wanted to know him a little more. The plot twist was INSANE! I thought I had it all figured out but the ending had my mouth open. I never would’ve thought! Seems like there will be a book 2? I hope so. Also..what was Sariyah’s mom’s deal? I’m assuming it was depression but it never specially talked about it so I’m not 100% sure how that fit in with the story.

Needy Little Things is a book that will have you wondering how many things do we randomly thibk we need during a day. The main character is vefy likable and overcomes her challenges with a grwce and determination that not many her age woold have. Highly recommend

This was an AMAZING mystery/thriller with hints of fantasy woven throughout. It focused on an important social issue, how little press coverage people of color receive when they go missing in comparison to white people. It also showcased mental health and its impact on the family as a whole. It also discussed all of this with the fresh spin of the main character having magical intuition about what others need. All around, this book was excellent and I will be recommending it to library customers.

My thoughts 💭
This book immediately gave Monday’s Not Coming + A Good Girls Guide To Murder Vibes. I mean Malcom even called Sariyah The Black Nancy Drew 😂

This debut novel snatched my attention on the first chapter. The premise had me so intrigued. It was set in Atlanta and gave all the Black Girl Magic Vibes. I loved every reference that was incorporated. I throughly enjoyed how they dragged the crap out of Facebook every chance they got. 😂😂😂 I found myself laughing a lot while reading. I loved how they openly talked about trade school. Because traditional college isn’t for everyone. Had this not been an ARC I would have definitely read this with baby girl. I will be purchasing it for her to read at a later time for sure!

This YA mystery was the perfect pallet cleanser for me because either was ROMANCED OUT! If you enjoy YA mystery novels with some black girl magic, then this one is definitely for you.


Some stuff that had me cackling:

Well loved grill master 3000’s 😂

“You are the Black Nancy Drew, okay?” 😂


Fave Quotes:
“Life happens for you, not to you”

“Devine finds work for idle hands”

“You love apologizing for things that don’t got nothing to do with you, don’t you?”

"Needy Little Things" by Channelle Desamours is a captivating and thought-provoking book that I couldn't put down. The main female character is Sariyah (Ri), a Black teen who has a special gift of sensing the needs of others.

Several years back, Ri’s best friend went missing after an encounter with a man at their school bus stop. Did Ri sense his need and not know how to process it? Could that have helped to find her friend? She has never been found, but a white girl who also went missing at the same time in the same area received national media attention, and although it was not a happy ending, she was found quickly. The world seemed to have forgotten Ri’s best friend, as they do most girls of color. And now another of her closest friends has gone missing, and she’s going to do everything she can, including the use of her gift, to try to find her.

The author's poignant storytelling and vivid descriptions drew me into the lives of the characters, making me feel every emotion as if I were right there with them. This book delves deep into the complexities of human relationships, addressing themes of love, loss, social injustice, mental health, and resilience in a refreshingly honest and relatable manner that should be discussed more. Desamours skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected lives that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

The character development in "Needy Little Things" is truly remarkable. Each character is flawed and real, making them incredibly compelling and easy to invest in. The raw honesty and authenticity in Desamours' writing make this a truly unforgettable read.

The pacing is perfect, with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. And the ending - oh my! What an ending! I’m definitely looking forward to book two!

Overall, "Needy Little Things" is a brilliant and emotionally resonant book that has left a lasting impression on me. Channelle Desamours is a masterful storyteller, and I can't wait to read more from her in the future. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a powerful and moving YA mystery thriller read.

Thank you to #NetGalley, #ChannelleDesamours, #StMartinsPress, and #WednesdayBooks for the ARC in exchange for my honest review of #NeedyLittleThings.

I enjoyed this book more than I even anticipated! The pacing of the story worked well for me, and it included a lot of elements that I enjoy. Such as mystery, suspense, supernatural elements etc. The author wove together a really good story.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for giving me this ARC!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for giving me this ARC! The overall theme of this book is focused on how loved ones try to move on and heal after a young black teen goes missing and the whole world does not care. I loved the messages intertwined throughout the book, especially regarding Sariyah's ability to fulfill peoples' needs. Black women are taught at a young age to put others' needs before theirs and we get to experience Sariyah's battle with balancing her needs and the needs of others. Also, when she said she'd LOVE it if someone would ask her what she needed for once....SOBBING.

A very different sort of story! Sariyah is a black teen who can sense what a person needs but not always knowing what for. Two of her friends have gone missing and she is desperate to use her gift to help find her friend, the second missing girl. But of course the disappearance of two black girls does not merit a lot of attention. This story is suspenseful and entertaining.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love a good mystery and this was one that I definitely enjoyed. I almost felt like I was there, living and go through all of the things the characters do. That’s when I realize that this is a great read!!

I love the concept of this book—that the main character can sense the needs of others nearby & feels compelled to act on those needs. I also think it’s important to call attention to the fact that crimes against people of color are disproportionately underrepresented in mainstream media. I wish the two ideas had been integrated more cleanly& that the ending had been handled with more care. It felt abrupt. I do, however, believe that students will enjoy this entry in the mystery category.

I’m not sure where to start with this review. I was blown away with this book. There is a depth to the message that shines through. It's not just a fantasy/mystery novel. It's a story with real social and topical issues. It's a book that makes you pay attention.


Sariyah has a special ability: She hears others' needs—not what they think they need, but what they really need—including something someone ends up using for self-defense later that night. Sometimes, even when she knows what they need, it's not enough, like when her friend Deja disappears—just like her bf who went missing five years before.

Now, a white girl goes missing, and everyone is talking about it, kinda sounds familiar? So Sariyah decides to raise awareness on social media, hoping that they can find Deja. The story's complexity, with so much going on, can be overwhelming at times, but it's a challenge that's worth it. The payoff, though… Chef Kiss.

Everything about Needy Little Things Is just perfect.

Thank You to NetGalley for letting me read an ARC copy in return for an Honest review.

YESSS. More Black authors and Black characters. Love seeing representation especially in YA. Absolute yes

This is a fantastic read that grabs you from the start! The story dives into the messy and intense side of relationships, making you think deeply about what people really want. The characters are really interesting, and the plot is full of surprises that keep you hooked. If you love a book that's both exciting and thought-provoking, you’ll definitely want to pick this one up!

4.5 stars rounded up.
I absolutely loved this book. I was invested from the beginning, and it was a pretty quick read for me.
I would describe it as magical realism and it has lots of other elements that I like. YA, sort of coming of age, the lightest sprinkle of romance and reads like a thriller. With all of this being said, it didn't feel like a "kitchen sink" situation, everything was balanced.
It would have been an easy 5 star for me, but the end felt slightly rushed.

This was a thrilling and an exciting read. there was legit never a dull or boring moment. this is gripping ya thriller that i just couldn't put down. i devoured every bit of it. wow... i just can't stop thinking about this book. my mind has officially been blown

If it’s one thing this book has taught me, it’s that people will go to extreme measures to make points. This book was a bit slow and confusing for me at first. It took a while for things to pick up and become more concise. But once it did, it kept my interest the entire time. I had to remind myself to pace myself so I didn’t miss anything or skim past important details. Black women, men, and children go missing ever too often and fall under the radar. Studies show that they are mentioned unless they are menaces to society. Their stories and voices matter just as much as anyone else’s. No matter what.

Needy Little Things uses the perfect YA formula: Suspense, powers, and a twist!

The premise is creative, but the best thing about this book is that the mystery is paced well. It keeps the reader guessing, and I felt compelled to figure it out right along with Sariyah.

The only case left to be cracked is will there be a sequel?!

ARC provided by NetGalley! :)

Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours is a thrilling YA novel that hooks you from the first page. The story of Sariyah's unique gift and the disappearance of her friend Deja will keep you on the edge of your seat. Desamours weaves a tale full of unexpected twists and turns that will leave you guessing until the very end. Beyond the suspense, the book also sheds light on important social issues, particularly the disparities in media coverage of missing Black girls. While the novel covers a lot of ground in just 320 pages, a few more chapters could have delved deeper into its themes. Overall, a gripping read that I won't hesitate to recommend to others.

I really enjoyed this book, I like the twist on her powers and how they affected her body. I was not expecting the polt twist at the end with her friends it gives off the you truly don't know who you are friends with. But the biggest message I got was clear and I think so many people especually young kids need to read this. Thank I really enjoyed this book.

Thank you for this ARC! I definitely enjoyed and knew I would from the beginning because it pulled me in from the start. Definitely a great YA novel and I know so many will enjoy it as well . I did find myself asking why towards the end and the wrap up of it all wasn’t my fav but the entire book was a good time nonetheless all the way through.