A few weeks ago, I started a new series called “So You liked…” where I give book recommendations based on population YA books. My first post was about Illuminae, and it was a hit! One of my more popular posts from recent weeks. I got a request to write about Sadie on Facebook, so that’s the direction I’m taking next! Friendly reminder if there’s a book you want read-a-likes for, just let me know!
Sadie by Courtney Summers is a true-crime novel featuring a lot of different elements that make it unique. It’s about a girl trying to find out what happened to her sister. And a podcast runner who picks up the story. I’ve actually heard that it’s phenomenal on audio, which has me intrigued! I might have to pick it up at some point.
If you’re looking for a true crime mystery to get into as summer starts to hit, check out some of these great YA books!
Top Read-a-Likes for Sadie
Looking for true crime mysteries?
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
For her senior project, Pippa decides to find out what really happened to Andie Bell five years ago. She’s not convinced the sweet Sal Singh could have done it. But who did? As she gets closer to the truth, Pippa also gets closer to danger.
Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
Ellingham Academy is a prestigious private school for artists, inventors, and creators. But it’s also known for a famous cold case where the owner’s wife and daughter were kidnapped. Stevie Bell is going to solve it. But digging into the case brings new danger to the school.
The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas
Five years ago, a string of accidents killed a group of cheerleaders in Sunnybrook. Two girls died in a car accident, two were killed by a neighbor, and one died by suicide. Now, the town wants to honor their memory. All Monica wants to do is forget. However, new clues start popping up that suggest that maybe, just maybe, they got the wrong guy.
How about a journey of revenge?
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
After his brother is shot, Will is determined to follow the rules. To get revenge on his brother’s murdered. But as he rides the elevator down on his way to get revenge, he’s visited by ghosts from the past. Is killing another person really what he wants to do?
The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis
When her older sister was murdered, Alex unleashed the violence she had inside of her. She knows how to kill someone. That’s why she stays away from other people. At least, until she befriends Jack at the animal shelter. As their senior year unfolds, Alex might not be able to keep a leash on her darker nature.
The Girl from the Well by Rin Chupeco
A dead girl haunts the streets, killing murderers, child killers, and abusers. When a strange boy moves into the neighborhood, this girl is interested in his secrets. Mainly, what his tattoos are hiding. Finding the truth takes them all the way to Japan, and puts them in even more danger.
Maybe podcasts are more your style.
I Hope You Get This Message by Farah Naz Rishi
Earth has been contacted by planet named Alma, threatening to destroy the entire population in seven days. For Jesse, this doesn’t matter much. So, he comes up with a scheme to let people communicate with the aliens via radio. Cate, however, is determined to find her father. And Adeem is desperate to forgive his sister. Will they be able to do it in time?
[Note: this features radio, not podcasts. But YA books with podcasts are hard to search for! And Sadie is unique.]
Listen to Your Heart by Kasie West
Kate isn’t really fond of talking to other people. She’d rather solo it out on the lake, taking in the sunshine. When her best friend Alana convinces her to join her high school’s podcast, Kate isn’t expecting much of it. Until she’s chosen as the host. Now what’s she going to do?
Beautiful Music for Ugly Children by Kirstin Cronn-Mills
Gabe runs a radio show featuring all the music that he loves. While he’s out there, he’s not quite sure how to deal with his parents who still think he’s just Elizabeth. Gabe knows who he is, and through radio, he’s sure he can find his place in the world.
[Note: this is also radio, but see note above.]
What about sibling relationships?
Things I Should Have Known by Claire LaZebnik
Chloe’s older sister, Ivy, is on the autism spectrum and Chloe notices that she’s been a bit lonely lately. So, Chloe decides to set her up on a date with Ethan Fields, a lovable boy in her class. However, with Ethan comes his annoying brother, David. While Ivy and Ethan aren’t really hitting it off, Chloe and David just might be.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Since her name is only in the pot once, Katniss is sure that Prim’s name won’t get picked. When it does, Katniss volunteers to save her. Now she’s a part of the Capitol’s yearly competition where 24 tributes fight to the death in an arena. All for their entertainment.
I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
Jude and Noah were inseparable when they were younger. But now, something has happened that opened a canyon between them. Flipping between past and present, we get to learn the whole story as Jude and Noah work their way back to each other.
Or maybe you just want justice for missing girls, like Sadie.
Broken Things by Lauren Oliver
It’s been five years since Summer Marks was murdered in the woods. Everyone things that her best friends, Brynn and Mia did it. But a new discovery, five years later, might make all the difference in figuring out who really committed the murder.
Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand
Girls have been disappearing for decades at Sawkill Rock. Everyone tells stories about the monster that lurks at parties, stealing girls away in the night. For Marion, Zoey, and Val, this is where their stories will come together. As long as someone gets the courage to fight the monster.
Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson
Claudia is the only one who notices that Monday Charles is missing. She doesn’t show up on the first day of school, or the second, or the third. When Claudia starts to dig deeper into her disappearance, things aren’t what they seem. How can a teen girl go missing without anyone else noticing?
Honorable mention.
I Killed Zoe Spanos by Kit Frick (release date June 30th, 2020)
Honorable mention because it isn’t out yet, but it’s being pitched as “for fans of Sadie and Serial.” After Zoe Spanos’ body turns up, Anna is the top suspect in her murder. But Martina Green is going to get to the bottom of her disappearance in her Missing Zoe podcast. Will she be able to uncover the truth?