Dark Thrills & Noble Quests: Using Story to Talk About Values with Kids

In this episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes two very different – but beautifully complementary – guests whose books open the door to big family conversations.

First, Jed chats with Rachel Peterson, author of the YA thriller Killing Sadie. Rachel, who describes herself as “aggressively pleasant,” explains why such a cheerful person writes about murder, anxiety, and worst‑case scenarios. She shares how dark, campy thrillers and B‑horror movies helped her manage her own anxious teen years, and why today’s teens may find comfort and “self‑therapy” in scary stories and true crime. Rachel walks us through the multi‑POV structure of Killing Sadie, the “dead girl talking” final act, and her fun craft tricks—like building playlists for each character to get inside their heads. Most importantly, she and Jed explore how the book can help parents and teens talk about unhealthy relationships, boundaries, and the power of trusting your own discomfort.

Then we travel (virtually) to Tanzania to meet Jeremy Sherr, author of the middle grade novel The Noble Adventure of Beryl and Carol. Jeremy shares how a simple bedtime story for his daughters grew into an award‑winning adventure about two timid girls who, through moral choices and courage, grow into noble, resourceful heroes. He and Jed discuss modeling values through story, the importance of nature, “girl power” without aggression, and why short, cliffhanger chapters are perfect for read‑aloud time. Jeremy also offers a glimpse into his family’s remarkable work providing free homeopathic clinics across Africa.

This episode celebrates how stories—dark, thrilling, and heartwarming—can help families connect, reflect, and grow together.