Why Killing Sadie is a must-have YA book for educators and librarians
Back in my tween and teenage years, my summers were equally split between coffee shops, loitering in parking lots (a universal haunt for all Y2K-era Midwestern teens) and most memorably, my local library. My hometown library will forever hold a special place in my heart. As a teen book fanatic turned English major turned author, I really do credit it for helping to build my foundational love of reading. Visiting the library became my most “rebellious” act – unbeknownst to myself at the time, my parents were thrilled! – where I would bring my embroidered JanSport backpack, checkout as many books as I could carry, and return home to race through the pages. When the academic year started, my school library was folded in, which mean meant one thing: More reading!
As an adult, the library became so much more: A workspace, cafe, museum (still in in awe of the New York City Public Library from my city days!), and my IRL version of comfort viewing – always a calming yet creative presence throughout life’s chapters.
When thinking about my debut novel, Killing Sadie, it truly is one that is better enjoyed together, book clubs included. Who can solve the mystery first, how do we process this cast of unreliable narrators, and what lessons about the meaning of truth can we glean from the pages? A recent Children’s Librarian reviewer summed it up so perfectly!
“As a Children’s Librarian, which includes adding content to our YA section, I was happy to read this debut novel from Rachel Peterson …
Killing Sadie contains teen characters in the throes of high school love, angst, jealousy and family drama; topics all teens can relate to on some level. There was also some pent-up anger in the mix, leading to a tragic death and subsequent investigation. Through police interrogations, readers get to know the cast of unreliable suspects and what happened the night of the big barn party at the McClain Family Farm. The plot kept me captivated and guessing how things happened and who instigated the event. Focus starts to kick in when the POV focuses on Sadie, the victim.
… A terrific older teen thriller! The entire cast of characters are unreliable so readers are always second guessing how events really happened the night of the big party.” – Children’s Librarian
I especially love this perspective because it leans into the emotions and complexities of teenage life, yet shows there’s added lightness, understanding and fun when we share experiences as a community. And what better place for building community than a library or classroom?
Get in touch for how to add the YA thriller Killing Sadie, to your educator toolkit this year!