
Courtney Summers' 'Sadie' is a gripping young adult novel that intertwines two narratives: Sadie's first-person account of her desperate quest for revenge after her younger sister, Mattie, is murdered, and transcripts from a true-crime podcast investigating Sadie's disappearance. The story delves into profound themes of grief, anger, justice, and the systemic mistreatment of girls and women, particularly concerning sexual assault. It's a raw, intense, and emotionally charged read that explores the lengths one will go for family, and the ethical complexities of true crime narratives. Parents should be aware of the prominent themes of violence, sexual abuse, and the psychological toll of trauma, making it suitable for mature young adult readers.
**A missing girl on a journey of revenge. A *Serial*-like podcast following the clues she's left behind. And an ending you won't be able to stop talking about.** Sadie hasn't had an easy life. Growing up on her own, she's been raising her sister Mattie in an isolated small town, trying her best to provide a normal life and keep their heads above water. But when Mattie is found dead, Sadie's entire world crumbles. After a somewhat botched police investigation, Sadie is determined to bring her sister's killer to justice and hits the road following a few meager clues to find him. When West McCray―a radio personality working on a segment about small, forgotten towns in America―overhears Sadie's story at a local gas station, he becomes obsessed with finding the missing girl. He starts his own podcast as he tracks Sadie's journey, trying to figure out what happened, hoping to find her before it's too late.