Sariyah has a gift (or a curse): she can sense what tangible items people need before they can. Usually, it is something non-threatening like gum or a comb, so when she senses her friend Deja will need pepper spray, it causes worry – and more so when Deja goes missing at a music festival. Now she is on a quest to find her friend.

As a protagonist, Sariyah is wonderful. With the weight of the world on her shoulders, she seems much older than her teenage years, and readers will want to root for her, as well as hug her. Her relationship with her brother, who suffers from sickle cell anemia, is touching, and her love and loyalty to her friends are relatable. It is not surprising Desamours is also a teacher, as she depicts these traits realistically.

Channelle Desamours has written a fantastic and thought-provoking mystery. In addition to creating a great main character, she also sheds more light on an often-overlooked reality. Focusing on the fact that missing people get a lot more press when they are pretty, young white females, the reader is forced to acknowledge and question why. Desamours handles this beautifully, leading the way for reflection and discussion. This was a strong debut.

Needy Little Things is a unique and compelling story blending mystery, social commentary, and magical realism. Sariyah can hear the needs of those around her, an ability that proves to be both blessing and curse as she grapples with the challenges of high school, friendships, and personal and community struggles. When her friend, Deja, goes missing, Sariyah is determined not to let Deja become another forgotten missing Black girl.

Needy Little Things tackles a lot, but does it well. The setting, characters, and relationships are all well-developed and feel authentic and vivid. Desamours also addresses complex social issues in an engaging way, showing the intertwining of the personal with the societal. The pacing was a little uneven; it dragged a bit in the middle, and the ending felt a little rushed and abrupt. But overall, the story was impactful and an excellent read.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martins Press for an advance review copy.

This was great! I loved the pacing and the character work concerning the FMC was superb. I had some issues with the side characters.

Such a good read! Well written with relatable and flawed characters and definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. The main character was so strong and smart. The twist was crazy. I love when I can't figure it out and every time I thought I knew who the "bad guy" was I was proven wrong and I would have never thought about the twist that happened. This is definitely one of those everybody is hiding something but who has the most dangerous secret type of books. I really felt for Sariyah. She had so much to deal with at such a young age but her character was written so well in that there a great balance between her strength and her vulnerability. Enjoyed it from start to finish!

Sariyah has a supernatural power…only it usually feels more like a curse. The Atlanta high-school student can sense exactly what the people around her are about to need, whether it’s chapstick, dental floss or an epipen. While she’s saved the day several times, she’s falling behind in school because her head is so full of the needs of people around her. They’re intrusive thoughts she can’t get rid of until the need is met.

Then one day, as she’s heading to a music festival with friends, she senses a particularly ominous need coming from her friend Deja: pepper spray. Sariyah gives Deja a spare pepper spray key chain and resolves to keep a close eye on her, but the girls get separated and Deja goes missing. Now, Sariyah must harness her powers—and her innate intelligence—to figure out what happened to her friend.

This book was an incredibly fun ride, and also points to the very real discrepancy between the attention the cases of missing white girls and those of missing BIPOC girls receive from the public and media. As someone with OCD (but sadly no superpowers), I thought that Sariyah’s powers were a really interesting take on intrusive thoughts. Sariyah’s mother’s depression is also depicted in a very realistic way that I think a lot of readers will find relatable. But as much as it sheds light on very real issues, this book is at its core a fun and incredibly readable mystery story. I recommend this one to teens AND adults.

Thank you NetGalley for my copy of this book because I think this might be my favorite YA thriller I have EVER read. I could barely put this book down, seriously. I loved this. I loved the writing, the mystery was enthralling, our FMC Sariyah, had suuuuch a unique power. You guys, add this to your TBR. It is well worth the read!!

"Needy Little Things" by Channelle Desamours is a compelling and thought-provoking young adult novel that blends mystery, fantasy, and social issues into a cohesive and engaging narrative. The story centers around Sariyah Lee Bryant, a Black teen with a unique ability: she can sense what people around her need. Whether it's something as simple as a pencil or as profound as emotional support, Sariyah is constantly aware of the needs of others. This gift, however, becomes both a blessing and a curse as she navigates the complexities of high school life, friendships, and her own personal struggles.

The novel opens with Sariyah at a music festival with her friends, including her best friend Deja. The event takes a dark turn when Deja goes missing, and Sariyah's ability to sense needs becomes crucial in the search for her friend. As Sariyah delves deeper into the mystery of Deja's disappearance, she uncovers secrets about her community and the people she thought she knew well. The story weaves together the personal and the societal, addressing issues such as racism, inequality, and the struggles faced by marginalized communities.

One of the standout features of "Needy Little Things" is Desamours' ability to create a richly detailed and authentic world. The setting, a vibrant and diverse community, is brought to life through vivid descriptions and a keen attention to cultural details. Desamours paints a realistic picture of the challenges and joys of living in such a community, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in Sariyah's world.

Sariyah is a well-rounded and relatable protagonist. Her struggles with her gift, her relationships, and her identity are portrayed with sensitivity and depth. Desamours captures the essence of adolescence—the confusion, the yearning for acceptance, and the search for one's place in the world. Sariyah's voice is strong and authentic, making her a character that readers can easily connect with.

The supporting characters are equally well-developed. Deja, though missing for much of the novel, is a vivid presence through Sariyah's memories and the impact she has on the community. The other characters, from Sariyah's family to her schoolmates, each have their own distinct personalities and contribute to the richness of the story. Desamours does an excellent job of showing how interconnected the lives of the characters are, and how their individual stories contribute to the larger narrative.

"Needy Little Things" tackles important social issues with nuance and care. The novel doesn't shy away from addressing the realities of racism, economic disparity, and the systemic challenges faced by Black and marginalized communities. Through Sariyah's journey, Desamours highlights the importance of community, solidarity, and resilience. The novel is both a mirror and a window, reflecting the experiences of those who live these realities while also offering insight to those who may not.

The plot is tightly woven and suspenseful, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. The mystery of Deja's disappearance serves as the central thread, but the novel is enriched by various subplots and character arcs. Desamours skillfully balances the tension of the mystery with moments of introspection and emotional depth. The pacing is well-executed, with each revelation and twist building up to a satisfying and impactful conclusion.

Desamours' writing style is both accessible and evocative. Her prose is lyrical without being overwrought, and she has a talent for capturing the emotions and inner lives of her characters. The dialogue is natural and reflective of the characters' personalities, contributing to the authenticity of the narrative.

This is a powerful and engaging novel that offers a unique blend of mystery, fantasy, and social commentary. It is a testament to the strength of community, the importance of empathy, and the resilience of those who face systemic challenges. With its relatable protagonist, richly detailed setting, and thought-provoking themes, it is a must-read for fans of young adult literature and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities of marginalized experiences.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Wednesday Books for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

"Needy Little Things" took off for me at the beginning. You could've fooled me to think this is a YA mystery because I was fully immersed!

Sariyah has a special power to know what little things a person may need. She ends up feeling her gift may be a curse due to the disappearance of her friend, Deja. The book highlights how black girls/ minorities don't get the same media coverage when missing as white girls. Other subjects such as dealing with sickle cell disease, depression, ADHD, grief and difficult family dynamics are mentioned tastefully.

I squealed at the mention of a certain favorite Disney show of mine & of my favorite "cartoon character cat with the bow"! There were a few digs at what teens today think older generations do, which had me laugh!

However, the middle of the book seemed to drag for me, especially after Deja has been missing for a few days. It focuses more on Sariyah & her friends many disagreements rather than finding Deja. The end of the book seemed a little predictable, yet wild & rushed. 🤨

BUT - very last chapter; is it possible for a second book for Sariyah?!? The future seems clear!

Thank you to NetGalley & St Martin's Press for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.❤️

𐙚 Reluctant Hero
𐙚 Missing Person Mystery
𐙚 Systemic Inequalities

Wow! Drawn in immediately. What a fantastic debut from Channelle Desamours. Needy Little Things is a striking debut that delves into the complexities of desire, manipulation, and the human craving for connection. A burdened girl, Sariyah Lee Brant, has a unique ability to hear the needs of others—whether mundane or life-altering. This intriguing gift takes center stage when her friend Deja goes missing, propelling Sariyah into a tense investigation filled with twists, emotional depth, and shocking revelations. The plot is intricately woven, balancing suspense with emotional depth. The story masterfully tackles complex issues, such as systemic neglect of missing Black girls and the challenges of navigating healthcare disparities, adding meaningful layers to the suspenseful narrative. The gripping plot twists, nuanced relationships, and poignant themes make this a standout novel. Needy Little Things is an impressive debut, showcasing Desamours as a fresh voice in psychological fiction.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰/5

Thank you for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. ・❥・

I don't normally read YA but I really loved NEEDY LITTLE THINGS by Channelle Desamours! I thought the psychic element was really well thought out and different - not your "run of the mill" psychic power. The character growth was executed perfectly, and the layers of complexity were all woven together in a way that made you really feel for Sariyah.

Although Sariyah's voice was distinct, her logic and thought patterns were more like an adult. I understand a big plot point was that she had to grow up before she was ready, but I do think in most instances she rationalized and explained in a manner that was much more mature than she would realistically be. I also had a hard time with the ending - tensions were glossed over fairly quickly between Sariyah and Malcolm after a pretty big betrayal. It was hard to stay on board with that.

Overall I loved this book and would highly recommend!

Wow!

This book took me on a journey that I wasn’t expecting. I’m not a fan of the fantasy genre, so I had to force myself to be open minded. Sariyah’s “super power” was very unique. It also sounded like it was overwhelming. The story really picked up when her friend Deja disappeared. Throughout the book, there was a lot of social commentary on the lack of urgency when a Black girl goes missing compared to when a white girl is missing. It stirred up a lot of emotion in me. I was also touched by Josiah’s struggles to get medical care for his sickle cell disorder outside of the city of Atlanta. That’s an issue that has been near to my heart for a long time.

As the truth started to come out about Deja’s disappearance, the pace of the book really picked up. The plot twist had me reeling. I didn’t expect the outcome nor the perpetrator. The reality of what Sariyah and her friends were dealing with at home was very heavy. They each had challenging familial relationships that broke my heart. This book touched on so many deep topics. It was all done so well. The title Needy Little Things made so much sense. I really enjoyed diving into this story.

This was an unforgettable five star read. Thank you to NetGalley, Wednesday Books, and Channelle Desamours for this advanced copy for me to review.
#NeedyLittleThings #NetGalley

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for a review.

NEEDY LITTLE THINGS was a fantastic YA mystery/speculative debut. It tells the story of a girl who has the ability to hear others' needs — and the mystery she must solve when one of her friends goes missing under suspect circumstances. This was a very engaging story, and it kept me guessing until the very end. Highly recommend.

Sariyah Lee Bryant, baby, you are taking being an empath to a new level! She has the unique ability of foresight but it's more than that—she can sense what is needed often before they do, but lives under fear that this information will ever see the light of day. Luckily her family and best friend, Malcolm, keep her secret and help her stay as "normal" as she can. However, when their friend, Deja, goes missing, Sariyah grapples with her gift and her adamance that no missing Black woman or girl ever becomes forgotten.

The twists and turns, heartfelt moments, deep scenes, and development throughout this story is masterful. Over time, I grew to see Sariyah's gift as a gift, and not an unfortunate curse she has to live with and navigate the world with. The social commentary throughout was just right; it wasn't heavy-handed, nor did it feel like Desamours was pressuring us as readers to do anything except see things exactly as they are, even when they're not pretty. I feel like this is the YA thriller of the year, and Desamours is an author I'll be watching for a long time!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for providing an ARC!

5 ⭐️s

Loved the experience reading this one with my eyes, that I’m venturing into a re-read via audio!!! 🎧📖 Thank you to @macmillan.audio for the gifted audiobook of this wonderful book #MacAudio2024

This book made me feel 5000 different emotions (which I personally love in a book) and the main character, Sariyah, was such a gem of a character that you can’t help but feel for deeply and root for. This story was beautiful, original, and dealt with deep topics with ease, grace and even some humor at times. @elledesamours is truly a voice in literature that I can’t wait to read more of!!

5.0⭐️

⭐️NEEDY LITTLE THINGS, out FEBRUARY 4th⭐️

Thank you to Macmillan Audio #MacAudio2024 for the
g i f t e d audiobook and FlatIron Books for the g i f t e d ARC of this book!

This is my first book by this author and I'm genuinely excited to read MORE. I thought this was interesting from the blurb that I read, but after finishing this one up, I immediately went on to Goodreads to see if there was any more of her work, I could completely lose myself in. I thought this was a good YA Thriller/Mystery and would for sure recommend it to a friend.

For Fans Of: The Lilies, The Blonde Dies First, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕
Genre: 💥 Speculative Teen Thriller
Violence: 🔪🔪
Spice: 🔥

Premise: Sariyah “Ri” Bryant has an unusual talent—she can hear the needs of people around her for tangible objects—though it feels more like a curse than a gift. When her friend Deja vanishes shortly after she fulfills a need for a concerning object, Ri wonders if she is somehow to blame for her disappearance.

Thoughts: When I first read this book’s premise, I thought Sariya’s gift was about wish fulfillment. But the world-building around Ri’s power is so much more dynamic & suited to creating suspense. The story’s central mystery also interrogates a key theme: whether the disappearance of a young Black girl like Deja will garner the same police, media, and public attention as a missing white child, a fear that makes Ri and friends sleuthing more believable. All Desamours characters feel authentic, with complex backstories and messy emotions. The plot meanders a bit in the middle. While its focus on Ri’s experience with her power adds depth to her and the people around her, preventing the book from dragging, it does feel like the mystery comes in and out of focus. That being said, Needy Little Things is a great read. I did not see the final twist coming and I will definitely pick up the sequel.

Thank you to St Martin’s Press & Wednesday books for the gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Needy Little Things is the debut YA novel from Channelle Desamours that is full of suspense, unique plot and wonderful storytelling

High schooler, Sariyah has a gift of being able to hear what people need. But they tend to be smaller things. Scissors, gum, tape, clothespin...she can hear the voices of people's small things in her head. Only her closest friends and family know about this ability. This "gift" tends to hold her back in school and sometimes even with her friends. When her and her friends go to a music festival, one of her friends (Deja) goes missing after she fulfills one of her needs. But Deja isn't the first of Sariyah's friends to go missing, so she knows they must do everything in their power to find her. They do not want her to be another Black girl that goes missing with little help from the authorities.

Told completely from Sariyah's POV, we follow along on their quest to find Deja while weaving other aspects of their lives into the storyline. The pacing was even and easily digestible and each character seem to have their place in the story. It's even mentioned in the novel, but it almost was like an episode of Scooby Doo where they are trying to find clues to a mystery and connect all the dots. Time's ticking and all they want to do is find their friend.

I loved really getting to know Sariyah throughout this story and how she fought for her friends and family in every way. She may not have the best grades in school, but that didn't show her true character and how far she would go to take care of those around her. Not only did we get a story of a missing girl, but Desamours combined that with the issues of Sariyah's family at home and the fact that a lot of responsibility was put on her shoulders. So many layers were woven into this speculative YA thriller that hit on some racial injustices, mental and chronic health and of course the whole journey of searching for Deja, her missing friend.

With twists and turns, a great cast of characters and an explosive ending and a message to its readers, Needy Little Things is a great debut book.
Lastly, if you get the chance to listen to the audio, Alaska Jackson rocked her performance. She captured the tense situation while keeping the audience engaged and anticipating what was going to happen next adding to the overall reading experience. I can't wait to see what Channelle Desamours comes up with next. And with an ending like she gave us, I wouldn't mind more in this world.

My first 5 star read of the year! I read very little YA anymore and even less magical realism/speculative fiction, but the blurb for this book sounded intriguing and Desamours knocked it out of the park. I can’t believe this is a debut.

Needy Little Things is pact with so much: friendship and family relationships, mystery and a teen’s disappearance, racial inequality, mental health, chronic illness, and the unique gift Sariyah has to hear people’s needs. Yet even with so much, it all fits and it is balanced perfectly. Nothing feels underdeveloped and it never feels like too much.

I loved getting to know Sariyah and being in her head. I felt for her. She was a multi-dimensional character that was extremely well-written. Each side character added even more depth to the story and their personalities were fleshed out and had stories themselves (even with this being first person).

The main mystery stays strong throughout but none of the side stories ever get lost or forgotten. Each one feels intentional and moves the story forward in some way. Again, I am so impressed at this being a debut, and cannot wait to see what Desamours writes next!

I really liked the blend of genres in this one: mostly young adult mystery but with a FMC that can sense other people’s needs. Sariyah can hear the physical items other people are in need of, which is a unique type of psychic ability to possess. (At least that I’ve read of before.) It also provided a unique way to help find her missing friend Deja, a Black teen whose need was for pepper spray before she ended up going missing.

This book brings to light issues with how the media, the police, and the country in general seem to care more about missing white girls than missing girls of other races. Will Deja garner as much attention as the last girl who went missing, who was white?

The mystery was a little easier to guess, but I didn’t see all the parts to it. Overall, an interesting read, and one I’d recommend to anyone who likes YA mysteries. Also, I absolutely adore the title.

A really stunning debut. The prose shines and the complex interiority of the main character is the true star of the show. I think tons of teens will relate to this deeply and I'm excited to see what Desamours writes next!