Sadie

Sadie

• Genre: Young adult fiction; mystery/thriller
• Originally Published: 2018
• Reading Level/Interest: Young adult (ages 14 and up)
• Structure/Length: Novel divided into alternating perspectives and podcasts; approx. 308 pages; approx. 8 hours and 27 minutes on audiobook
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: Sadie is a young adult mystery/thriller novel by Courtney Summers. The central conflict revolves around Sadie Hunter, a teenage girl who goes missing under mysterious circumstances. As her sister Mattie’s murder remains unsolved, Sadie embarks on a journey to find her sister’s killer, driven by a determination to seek justice. The novel is presented in two perspectives: Sadie’s narrative and a podcast that attempts to uncover the truth behind her disappearance. It explores themes of trauma, family, and the pursuit of justice.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Violence and murder, trauma, sexual abuse, addiction, bullying, poverty

Courtney Summers, Author

• Bio: Canadian American author known for her contributions to young adult literature and her focus on gritty and emotional narratives; often tackles tough and sensitive subjects while exploring the resilience of young protagonists
• Other Works: I’m the Girl (2022); The Project (2021); All the Rage (2015); This Is Not a Test (2012); Some Girls Are (2010); Cracked Up to Be (2008)
• Awards: Cybils Award for Young Adult Fiction (2018); Edgar Award for Best Young Adult (2019); John Spray Mystery Award (2019); Odyssey Award (2019); White Pine Award (2020)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• The Vulnerability and Strength of Women
• The Commodification of Female Suffering
• The Effects of Poverty and Privilege

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will:

• Explore background information on vigilantism and the efficacy of the justice system to increase their engagement with and understanding of Sadie.
• Read/study short paired texts and other resources to deepen their understanding of themes related to The Vulnerability and Strength of Women, The Commodification of Female Suffering, and The Effects of Poverty and Privilege.
• Demonstrate their understanding of how Claire’s perspective differs from May Beth’s by writing and recording a podcast script influenced by Claire’s perspective.
• Analyze the significance of various elements of the text, such as narrative voice, setting, suspense, perspective, and characterization, and construct essay responses tying these to the text’s meaning.