Needy Little Things

Gr 8 Up–Sariyah, who is Black, has a special gift like her grandmother’s: a psychic-like ability that senses the needs of others, often before they know themselves. This results in migraines from the constant requests she senses, most of which are common objects like gum, pen, or a nail file. Sariyah keeps these in her “Santa bag” she carries everywhere. Her bestie Tessa, also Black, has been missing and forgotten for five years, while media spotlighted a missing local white girl a year ago who was found dead within two days. When Sariyah, love interest Jude, and friend Deja catch the Afro Alt Music Festival with Malcolm (Tessa’s twin), catastrophe strikes again—Deja goes missing. As established, a missing Black girl does not receive media attention, so Sariyah uses her gift to assist as the friends play detectives. She doesn’t want her friend reduced to a hashtag, but #FindDeja is a necessary tool in the absence of media coverage. This genre-crossing mystery/thriller with interlaced fantastical elements results in a page-turner. The interwoven story lines are short but pack a punch. Character development is strong; there are authentic introspective emotions in the face of social injustices, mental health issues, and devastating events. The engaging banter between Sariyah and Malcolm provides necessary comic relief during intense times. Unexpected twists are sprinkled throughout, with a bombshell cliffhanger setting up for a potential sequel.