This captivating and thought-provoking novel will undoubtedly appeal to young adult readers who are drawn to mystery and speculative fiction, especially those who enjoy stories that feature resilient and determined Black protagonists. These characters navigate a myriad of challenges, including intricate social issues, family conflicts, and the unwavering strength of female friendships when confronted with adversity.

The book delves into the complexities of societal expectations and the courage it takes to challenge them. Readers will find themselves immersed in a world where the protagonist's determination and resilience shine through, inspiring them to confront their own obstacles and celebrate the power of friendship. The speculative elements woven into the narrative add an extra layer of intrigue, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the mysteries that lie within the story.

This was such a powerful read. Sariyah is a high school student who can hear the needs of others. To celebrate Malcom’s 18th birthday, they all go to a festival and one of their friends, Deja, goes missing.

This book covers so many topics- mental health, disability, the uneven balance of time and resources for a white victim vs a black victim, and friendship.
I absolutely adored this book and felt so many emotions while reading it.
This debut novel was published earlier this week and I definitely recommend picking up a copy.

Sariyah has a very unique power - she hears what people need whether it’s gum or a knife and she feels compelled to provide it. While at a music concert, she hears her friend Deja’s need for pepper spray. Shortly after, while Sariyah is looking away, Deja disappears. The police assume she’s just another run away but, given her need, Sariyah is not so sure and is determined to find her.

Needy Little Things is a very compelling and nigh unputdownable novel by Channelle Desamours which combines a well-plotted mystery with paranormal elements and social commentary and she blends them all seamlessly. It starts out at a fairly even pace as we meet Sariyah and her friends and family and we learn their backstories but the pace quickly picks up and never lets go until the end. It’s aimed at a YA audience but, as someone way outside this demographic, I can confidently say that it can also be enjoyed by adults. I would add, though, that parts of it may be too violent for young children. A definite high recommendation from me and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

I received an eARC of this book from Netgalley and St Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC.

This is such a fun, fast paced YA thriller. I was so eager to learn how it was all going to end. It was hard to put down and I really loved the story and characters.

There's nothing quite like the running thrill of red herrings and piecing together clues to finally unmask the culprit—or culprits. I was so convinced that I knew what was going on, and then that twist hit, just completely blew my expectations. I did not see it coming, and that is precisely what makes a mystery great.

This is a very suspenseful novel, yet it felt like a realistic portrayal of teenage life: extreme highs and lows with friends, family dynamics, the battle of balancing school with an invisible disability. Here, of course, the layer added by the protagonist's ability to hear unspoken needs only made the story more interesting. And honestly, sometimes headphones really are the best way to block out the noise, both inside and out.

I loved the characters, the book, and can't wait to read more by this author.

I loved this book! I am pleased to say this book was beautifully written. If you are a Tiffany D. Jackson fan you will absolutley love this one. This YA book brought me back to my young years, Chef's kiss.

Mystery • Intuition • Neurodivergence • YA
Published • 4 February 2025

‧₊˚🎧⊹ Thank you @macmillan.audio and @wednesdaybooks for the ALC and digital book!

Sariyah is a “needs-hustler”. This means when she is near someone, she can sense the object they will need most next. It’s an odd superpower - a blessing and a curse.

Sariyah cannot be in crowded areas, even a school gymnasium, without sensory overload from various people’s needs overstimulating her brain. I appreciated how this sixth sense manifests similarly to neurodivergence.

The book’s central plot is a mystery about a missing black teen. Deja’s disappearance isn’t getting nearly as much press coverage as the white girl who went missing earlier, but Sariyah isn’t going to let her best friend become another statistic.

In the backdrop, Sariyah is really going through it, juggling school, a part-time job, and a budding romance. Her mother is suffering from mental health issues, while her dad lives hours away.

She’s also caretaking for her younger brother who has sickle-cell, a disease that does not get a lot of attention. One of my childhood best friends lived with sickle cell without most people ever knowing.

This book really gives a lot to think about in many dimensions, not the least of which is friendship. One thing that made me uncomfortable that I haven’t reconciled yet is the somewhat casual use of drugs.

·˚ ༘₊·꒰➳: ̗̀➛ Final thought: I would have loved to have had had books with this kind of representation when I was a young adult. Even now solidly in middle age, I still appreciated this book’s perspectives!

Excellent debut from Channelle Desamours.
‧₊˚🎧⊹ Narration of the audiobook by Alaska Jackson was well done capturing the teen lingo and slang.

TW: Drug Use, Kidnapping, Assault

Wow!!! This was such a ride and I was buckled in TIGHT. I loved this book. I loved the way Sariyah uses her gift and grapples with the consequences of her actions. I loved seeing her interactions with her family and friends. Honestly my only complaint is that this book wasn’t long enough. I am on the edge of my seat to learn more about these characters. Especially with that ending! I loved the way the book didn’t shy away from tackling such huge themes in a way that was easily obtainable and necessary in this current political climate. The way the characters spoke was so familiar and realistic. I loved the humor sprinkled in. I can’t stop raving but you need to read this book!

Needy Little Things is a debut novel that does not disappoint. This YA mystery follows a black teen who has premonition-like powers and ends up having to solve her friend's disapperance before she ends up in danger. I was captivated from the first page. The author did a great job writing this and I was turning pages until the end. All of the characters in this were so good and I liked the premonition like powers in this. I highly enjoyed reading this book and would recommend this to any young adults or readers who like mysteries. Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for this read in exchange of my honest review of Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours.

“ My mind is an endless loop of the immediate or future needs of the people around me. Tangible, everyday items... usually. Intrusive thoughts that pester me relentlessly until (a) I fulfill the needs, (b) they meld into a crippling migraine, or (c) the person with the need moves out of range of the anomaly that is my brain-a range that I have determined to be twenty-one feet, three inches”.

Sariyah is not your average high school senior. She has great friends and an ok part time job, but unlike everyone else, she can sense the needs of those around her and is bound to fulfill their needs. When news of yet another missing girl breaks, it shatters Sariyah because this time, the missing girl is her best friend. Will Sariyah’s unique ability be enough to save her friend or will it get in her own way?

Chantelle Desamours authored a creative and compelling story line. The composition of premonition powers and a push for social justice reform makes for the perfect YA novel that captures the reader and allows for them to reflect on society and its inequalities.

I just finished Needy little things by Channelle Desamours and here is my review.

Imagine having the power of premonition.. Now understand that it comes in a way where the thing a person needs but they don’t know it yet, fills your mind all day like an itch on your brain….

This is what happens to Sariyah… When one of her friends disappears while at a music festival, she cannot leave the police to try and find her because black girls don’t get the coverage white girls do. She doesn’t want to use her gift to make money but that's where she finds herself. Her home life is a mess but finding her friend, after another friend went missing years ago without a trace, weighs heavily on her but will it lead her into the same danger her friend is now in?

One of the best debut novels I have ever read. YEEHAWW I was sucked right into this magical realism book and it spat me out the other end satisfied. I listened to and read the book as well. The narration is BRILLIANT!!!

I was drawn right into the mystery of what happened to her friend and I had so many questions about her gift!!! Did she get it because her grandma died before she was born or was she always gonna have the gift? Magical realism books often answer these kinds of questions but I can’t help thinking them haha

I loved Sariyah! Her whole persona was epic! Her parents are together but living apart because her little brother is sick and needs to be by the hospital but her dad makes more money further away and her mama is depressed so badly she is often left to mother her little bro. It’s a big mess but she has a tight knit friend group and when one goes missing, it is devastating.

The book highlights the point that POC tend to not get the same resources used on them and they are not wrong. I’ve seen it first hand here in Canada with indigenous girls. The reason why she goes missing was brilliant to be honest but the twist at the end was worth it.. Bit of a weird ending to be honest but it sure was different. It was a unique read for sure.

I will definitely be on the lookout for the author's next book. Highly recommend the audiobook!

4.5 stars

Thank you @netgalley and @stmartinspress for my gifted copy and @macmillanaudio for my ALC

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me engaged and it only took a few days to read. I think this is going to be a good book club option for several clubs. I plan recommending to my book friends and I look forward to reading more by this author.

I was so excited to read Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours.
A compelling YA mystery debut.
This is everything I had hoped for and more. I loved this book from beginning to end. I have no hesitation in recommending this book to everyone.

THIS BOOK WAS A TOTAL SHOWSTOPPER! The idea of telepathically tuning into people’s needs? Pure genius! This nail-biting whodunit had me gripping my seat until the very last twist. It brilliantly weaves in some serious social commentary about missing persons and how race plays a wild role in how these stories unfold in the media and with the police. The author dives into other heavy topics like racism, chronic illness, drug addiction, mental health battles, and family drama—and somehow, it all fits together like a perfectly crafted puzzle. Nothing feels half-baked, and it never overwhelms your senses!

I absolutely adored getting cozy with Sariyah’s thoughts. My heart went out to her! She’s a beautifully complex character who’s written with such flair. The supporting cast? They were the cherry on top, each with their own rich backstory. Seriously, this crew is unforgettable (JoJo stole my heart! ❤️).

In Needy Little Things Sariyah has a gift. She knows what other people need, and if she doesn't give it to them, it causes headaches. But while her power was a part of this story, it wasn't it's focus. Which is the thing I loved most about this story. Her power just leant a little bit of a mystical edge to an otherwise realistic mirror image of our world, where if a black girl goes missing- no one really cares if she's found.

We pick up 5 years after her childhood friend Tessa has disappeared, in a world that's gone on (as the world does) without her. Sariyah has more friends, and another one of them goes missing. This time it happens practically right in front of her eyes, in the middle of a music festival. The rest of the story plays out well, with enough red herrings to keep you interested, and lands on a genuinely surprising end. I'm typically a "guess the murderer" kind of girl when i read a mystery and I genuinely didn't catch on to the true story till it was revealed.

Overall I found this to be a fun fast read, that kept me on my toes, i just wish we'd gotten to know OFFICIALLY what happened to Tessa.

This is truly an original story!

I was fascinated immediately by the main character’s abilities and personality. She “hears” what people need before they even know they need it, and her need is to give them what they need. So fun!

I love that it’s a mystery, but also a great friendship story. It has a little bit of romance and family drama as well.

I thought the character building was great!

I’m not a huge fan of YA, but the author did a pretty good job of not making the characters feel young and immature.

Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours is a captivating young adult fantasy novel that immediately drew me in.

3.5 stars.

Needy Little Things is definitely a solid debut novel that shines light on a very important and timely topic. I really appreciated the focus on how the cases of missing girls are handled by the police and public/media and the difference in case recognition and resources for missing girls when they're white vs. Black --- this is an incredibly important topic of discussion and there are huge differences in how cases are handled based on a person's skin color and I think it's very important that we continue to shine a light on that until things actually change.

Sariyah was definitely an interesting main character to follow and I thought the concept of her being able to hear people's needs and help fulfill them with her Santa Bag as much as she could was really interesting. The exploration of the fear, guilt and anxiety surrounding that was also really interesting.

The grief and pain that Sariyah and Malcom feel over Tess' disappearance 5 years later is palpable through the page and my heart really broke for them. I enjoyed the way the mystery around Deja's disappearance unfolded and I will say that the twist really did surprise me. I liked the focus on Sariyah's family and the discussion around her mother's depression and her depressive episodes. While I can't speak to how the situation was handled as I don't have first hand experience, to me, it felt like these things were handled truthfully and with respect to the complexity of the situation.

Truthfully, I couldn't done without the side romance, I don't really think it added anything to the plot. While there was a lot that I enjoyed about this book, it failed to **really** grip me. I cared about these characters, felt for them and wanted them to find justice, and while I felt from the characters, I felt a little disconnected from them However, I acknowledge that as I am not a Black woman, I can't connect to what they were experiencing beyond feeling outraged at the injustice of our current societal and political climate. I think that Channelle Desamours has a very strong and clear voice, and I looking forward to reading more from her!

Also, the ending? That got me and I immediately went to check if this was a series. It doesn't say that it is, but Channelle...I would absolutely read a sequel, just throwing that out there!

Sariyah hears what people need. It takes over everything in her head and doesn't let go until she gives them whatever tangible thing they need. It's making school hard and jeopardizing her future, but her closest friends understand and support her. Until a tragedy happens and one of those friends disappears, mirroring the disappearance of her best friend 5 years ago and spiraling into chaos.

Sariyah's emotions practically bleed off the page. You get dragged into her mind and heart in a way that makes it impossible to escape because you need to know that everything works out for her. I spent a big part of the book wanting to hug her and her friends. Even after I figured out what was really going on, I felt like what those kids needed the most was a hug and someone to listen to them.

And even the big twist, most of which I'd already figured out, turned out to not entirely be what I was expecting. There are some pulse-pounding moments towards the end that make an excellent balance to the slow unraveling that precedes them.

Be warned that the many difficult topics the story touches on may be difficult for some readers. It's a very socially conscious story that does not pull punches.

Delighted thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the moving read!

I loved everything about this book

The fleshy and diverse cast of characters.
The well-paced, twisty and grippy plot.
The whole-chest social commentary.
The needs and gnats fabulism.
Even the cover is stunning.

The only thing I’m pissy about, is this author’s lack of back catalogue.

Can’t wait to get this book into my patrons’ hands…and for book two.