Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours

The quick cut: A teen girl who can sense other people's needs finds her life unbalanced when a friend disappears at a music festival.

A real review:

Thank you to Wednesday Books for providing the arc for an honest review.

Many of us can wonder and wish that we had unique or special abilities. The truth though is that it comes with a cost that can take a toll on your life. Sariyah very much knows that truth with her ability to sense people's needs.

Sariyah has the same gift that her grandmother did: she can sense other people's tangible needs. Whether it be a toothbrush or a pencil, she can detect the need and often give it to that person to fulfill it. She doesn't do it out of altruistic need, she does it to hold onto what semblance of self she has. All those needs overlapping steals her focus and gives her migraines. It's an ability that takes a toll until one of her friends disappears at a music festival. Can her ability help her find her friend again?

The magical realism in this story is the right balance of unique and believable. That small addition really helps humanize Sariyah in a different way that makes you understand how every ability has its ups and downs. However, it did feel like Sariyah's development distracted from the disappearance storyline.

Sariyah has so much responsibility thrust onto her and the talent she has only makes that harder. Her Santa bag of random items to give tells you how much her ability affects her day to day. That pressure can make it difficult to feel like you're capable of accomplishing anything. It's hard not to be impressed by her.

The disability representation in this story is so diverse and important, especially from a BIPOC perspective. Sariyah has ADHD, which makes sense given her unique talent. Her brother has sickle cell and the way his condition is portrayed not only explains it complexities, but also easily introduces the condition to anyone not familiar with it. Depression also plays a key role.

A story with plenty of disability representation, but split focus in its storylines.

My rating: 3.75 out of 5