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Better Angels: You Can Change the World. You Are Not Alone.
How can you take the worst thing that ever happened to you... and use it to make thousands of children happy? Sadie Keller did just that. Told in her own words, this girl's inspiring story will stir the soul of anyone who wants to find hope in humanity. Diagnosed with cancer at age seven, Sadie sneaked into her mother's closet and filmed an instructional video to help kids like her. It became a viral sensation. Worried about whether Santa could deliver toys to all the kids in her hospital, she started a toy drive. It became a movement that turned into a foundation and a national year-round program that has collected tens of thousands of toys for kids battling cancer. Along the way Sadie met hundreds of cancer kids... and ended up having to say goodbye to some of her closest friends. Kirkus Reviews says, "The book is message-driven and is written in an accessible and engaging style... Will resonate with young people who have experienced illness or wish to fight for others." To help save other children, Sadie teamed up with Congressman Michael McCaul. She became a star lobbyist, helping get a law passed that directed billions of dollars of research aimed at sparking next-level cures for childhood cancer. And she did it all by finding angels—friends, family, strangers, and some of the most powerful people in the world. Better Angels is a heartbreaking yet heartwarming tale of what it's like to face the possibility of death at a young age and how to turn it into a life-giving opportunity. It can serve as a user's manual for anyone who wants to change the world... by seeking and sparking love from the countless people who can help make it happen.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2020
7 people are currently reading
878 people want to read
About the author
Sadie Keller
4 books20 followersOn February 25, 2015, at the age of 7, Sadie Keller was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. For 2 1/2 years, Sadie fought through many hard times and was out of school for her 2nd and 3rd grade years.
She received her last chemotherapy on May 26, 2017, and continues to receive monthly checkups and lab work.
Only 2 months after Sadie was diagnosed, she began making videos about what it’s like to have cancer as a child. She did these in a closet without her parents knowing. Sadie hated to not know what to expect, so she made these videos to help other kids not be so afraid. These videos have been used on ESPN during Jimmy V week. Sadie’s mission continued as she began working with TheTruth365 to help raise awareness for Childhood Cancer.
Out of all the money given to cancer research from the National Cancer Institute, only 4% is given to all childhood cancers. Sadie lobbies in Washington D.C. several times a year to help change this and for several Childhood Cancer Acts. She has helped lobby the passage of the Creating Hope Act, RACE for Children Act, and the STAR Act in which she was invited to the Oval Office while the President signed it into law. She is a public speaker, advocate and helps run her foundation to help thousands of Childhood Cancer fighters all over the United States.
Sadie was invited back to the White House this year to participate in a Roundtable discussion with the Vice President of the United States, about the Childhood Cancer initiative. Sadie has been seen on Inside Edition, Fox News America’s News HQ, Fox News America’s Newsroom, Fox News Varney & Co., Fox News with Dana Perino, CNN Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, and numerous local television across the country.
Sadie is also an incredible artist. She is currently 12 years old and in the 7th grade.
She received her last chemotherapy on May 26, 2017, and continues to receive monthly checkups and lab work.
Only 2 months after Sadie was diagnosed, she began making videos about what it’s like to have cancer as a child. She did these in a closet without her parents knowing. Sadie hated to not know what to expect, so she made these videos to help other kids not be so afraid. These videos have been used on ESPN during Jimmy V week. Sadie’s mission continued as she began working with TheTruth365 to help raise awareness for Childhood Cancer.
Out of all the money given to cancer research from the National Cancer Institute, only 4% is given to all childhood cancers. Sadie lobbies in Washington D.C. several times a year to help change this and for several Childhood Cancer Acts. She has helped lobby the passage of the Creating Hope Act, RACE for Children Act, and the STAR Act in which she was invited to the Oval Office while the President signed it into law. She is a public speaker, advocate and helps run her foundation to help thousands of Childhood Cancer fighters all over the United States.
Sadie was invited back to the White House this year to participate in a Roundtable discussion with the Vice President of the United States, about the Childhood Cancer initiative. Sadie has been seen on Inside Edition, Fox News America’s News HQ, Fox News America’s Newsroom, Fox News Varney & Co., Fox News with Dana Perino, CNN Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, and numerous local television across the country.
Sadie is also an incredible artist. She is currently 12 years old and in the 7th grade.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 7, 2020
A colleague gave me this book to read. I thought was for young kids. I was wrong.
It really is for anyone, any age who is looking for a bit of light in their life.
Especially being home during COVID-19, Better Angels was an inspiration and a positive distraction from my own worries right now.
Sadie is tough, and sweet and smart. I can't imagine being a mom and going through this with a child.
She really turns things around as well. Her ability to help other kids, raise funds and get laws passed was meaningful and motivating.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants an uplifting read. Teenagers and adults could all benefit from a dose of Sadie's outlook on life.
It really is for anyone, any age who is looking for a bit of light in their life.
Especially being home during COVID-19, Better Angels was an inspiration and a positive distraction from my own worries right now.
Sadie is tough, and sweet and smart. I can't imagine being a mom and going through this with a child.
She really turns things around as well. Her ability to help other kids, raise funds and get laws passed was meaningful and motivating.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants an uplifting read. Teenagers and adults could all benefit from a dose of Sadie's outlook on life.
May 8, 2020
Love Sadie's story. Read the book in one day, couldn't put it down.
April 27, 2024
Even though there was a lot of sadness in this book, there was also a lot of hope and strength. There is so much work to be done regarding cancer research, but I'm hopeful that Sadie's journey, as well as mine, can help others have a positive outlook in the midst of the struggle.
January 6, 2021
if anyone wants to learn about childhood cancer, sadie’s story is so inspiring.
Want to read
May 9, 2020I loved this book!
It's a perfect gift for readers of any age since it tells a story of resilience and finding silver linings while getting through a very hard time.
Sadie, even at the age of 7, finds ways to take her mind off of her own pain and suffering by giving to others, and she grows so much along the way. Written at age 12, with her telling her journey of 5 years, this girl has done so much to help thousands of other kids with cancer.
especially now, when everyone in the world is dealing with the pressures and anxiety surrounding Covid, this book teaches us to find the angels around us and to be grateful for what we have.
I can't wait to hear more about this amazing young lady as she grows older and continues to lobby on Capitol Hill and make some real changes for kids around the world. Go Sadie!!
With all proceeds going to childhood cancer research and charities, I'm going to buy a bunch to give as gifts to friends!
It's a perfect gift for readers of any age since it tells a story of resilience and finding silver linings while getting through a very hard time.
Sadie, even at the age of 7, finds ways to take her mind off of her own pain and suffering by giving to others, and she grows so much along the way. Written at age 12, with her telling her journey of 5 years, this girl has done so much to help thousands of other kids with cancer.
especially now, when everyone in the world is dealing with the pressures and anxiety surrounding Covid, this book teaches us to find the angels around us and to be grateful for what we have.
I can't wait to hear more about this amazing young lady as she grows older and continues to lobby on Capitol Hill and make some real changes for kids around the world. Go Sadie!!
With all proceeds going to childhood cancer research and charities, I'm going to buy a bunch to give as gifts to friends!
May 5, 2020
Wow, just wow! Although this story is not new to me, the details definitely were. I could not put this book down. I honestly read the book in a couple hours cover to cover. Each chapter brought new emotions, information, and experiences. Sadie, you are the bravest girl I know. Reading how you turned such a difficult time into something life changing for so many other children is beyond inspiring. I can’t wait for the girls to read about their brave cousin, Sadie! As a parent, it tore at my heart, but also pushes me to make sure to love every moment with my children. As a social worker, it has given me insight into working with my clients who suffer from medical issues. As a human, it will challenge me to help advocate for all the children who desperately need it. Thank you, Sadie for bringing light to this subject, and fighting so hard for others all while going through it yourself. I can’t say enough about how everyone can benefit from reading this book. We are so lucky to have you as part of our family!
May 27, 2020
I was selected to receive an advance reader copy of this book and I enjoyed it so much!
Going into reading the book I was excited to see a story about childhood cancer from a child’s point of view. My son didn’t share much about his journey during treatment or after. I always assumed he was just trying to survive but after reading what Sadie wrote I wonder if he was trying to protect me. I also really loved how the congressman connected Sadie to lobbying and encouraged her and other kids. I was touched by how much Sadie honored her friends who have gone to heaven. I love the focus on more than 4. It’s amazing to read about a young child and what she had accomplished while fighting this disease. It’s well written and a beautiful story about hope and courage. I also had never heard about cure fest and hope fo make it to see and participate in it in person. Great job Keller family. This book appeals to everyone because it a story filled with hope and courage and shows how everyone can make a difference in this world.
Going into reading the book I was excited to see a story about childhood cancer from a child’s point of view. My son didn’t share much about his journey during treatment or after. I always assumed he was just trying to survive but after reading what Sadie wrote I wonder if he was trying to protect me. I also really loved how the congressman connected Sadie to lobbying and encouraged her and other kids. I was touched by how much Sadie honored her friends who have gone to heaven. I love the focus on more than 4. It’s amazing to read about a young child and what she had accomplished while fighting this disease. It’s well written and a beautiful story about hope and courage. I also had never heard about cure fest and hope fo make it to see and participate in it in person. Great job Keller family. This book appeals to everyone because it a story filled with hope and courage and shows how everyone can make a difference in this world.
May 4, 2020
Oh my word I loved this book! I am a huge reader and I have read non-fiction stories/autobiographies written like Sadie’s (not the same story though of course) and Better Angels is now my all time favorite! I have read a ton of books but this book will definitely stick with me forever and I will definitely be re-reading this multiple times. Better Angels was very well written! When you read this book you will not want to put it down! There is no dull moments and the way it’s written feels very personal which I love! Overall, I loved this book, and I recommend to anyone who can read!!! Better Angels made me more aware of what goes on in the life of a child diagnosed with cancer, and this book definitely made me even more passionate about raising awareness to childhood cancer.
May 5, 2020
I loved every word- this book is simply inspirational. It could be enjoyed at any age. Adults, young people- it’s just so inspiring. It is a very easy read, but with a heavy topic, you don’t want something you have to keep re-reading in order to let it sink in. With this kind of topic you want to keep reading and reading and taking in every detail she has. Sadie is intriguing and invites you into a world that many people face on a daily basis, yet others are completely oblivious to. I also LOVE that I can still feel her youth in her writing. She is so skilled, but I love that I can hear a little tween/teen behind the words. It’s precious and authentic, and genuine. This book, while such a heavy topic, is light in the darkness! A MUST READ!
May 17, 2020
I could not put this book down and was so inspired by this story of a brave little girl that turns her fight with cancer into advocacy. She reminds us of the real story - 'Most of us measure our lives in years. When we get sick - from cancer, from whatever - doctors and nurses do all they can to give us more years. I want more years, all I can get. But that's not the only measure of a life. How much you live isn't all about the years, but about the people you touch, thee difference you make, and the joy you bring to others.' Sadie is transparent and vulnerable in sharing here story of how her life as she knew it was forever changed through her diagnosis and fight with childhood cancer and now she is forever changing what is possible for kids in the future.
May 11, 2020
Better Angels by Sadie Keller and Michael McCaul is seriously the best book I've read this year! Anyone, of any age, can find inspiration from Sadie's beautiful story. Her story shows how, unfortunately, hard things are going to happen in life, however, how you react to these things determines how you get through it. Her bravery, strength, and happiness through cancer, something a child should never have to face, is truly so incredible. I believe if we were all a little more like Sadie, the world would be a better place.
May 13, 2020
Just finished Better Angels...I couldn't put it down. The strength and thoughtfulness that someone can have at such a young age is unbelievable. It's the kind of book that puts things in your life into perspective and gives you hope for any hardship you might be going through.
I love the dynamic between the co-authors Congressman Michael McCaul and Sadie, how they met and how they have continued to work together to raise awareness for childhood cancer! Its a must-read!
I love the dynamic between the co-authors Congressman Michael McCaul and Sadie, how they met and how they have continued to work together to raise awareness for childhood cancer! Its a must-read!
May 4, 2020
My overall review of Better Angels is that it is a great book about going through Hard Times. It is a book that sheds much light and provides awareness about childhood cancer while also telling a wonderful story. The book sends a great message about finding angels in your life. I loved the book and i believe everyone would too!
May 14, 2020
Inspiring book of a very brave 12yr old’s experience with cancer. Wise beyond her years, and calls to light numerous issues with current treatments & funding. Thank you, Sadie for sharing your story — and to Senator McCaul, too, for all you do to move this mission forward. The perspective is a definite reminder for gratitude, and I’m a definite believer in the butterfly effect!
May 24, 2020
I just finished this book, and all I can think is, “WOW!” Sadie is such an inspirational to so many people going through their cancer journey, including me. She’s thirteen years old, a published author, and an advocate for childhood cancer: she’s amazing! This is a must read for anyone, even if you have no connection to childhood cancer!
April 29, 2021
Great book!
We all need to hear this incredible young woman's story of hope and resilience. No matter what challenges we face -- health problems or a global pandemic -- Sadie reminds us that good can be found in every situation, no matter how tough it is.
I'd recommend this for all ages, but imagine it would be incredibly inspiring for tweens/teens in Sadie's age group.
We all need to hear this incredible young woman's story of hope and resilience. No matter what challenges we face -- health problems or a global pandemic -- Sadie reminds us that good can be found in every situation, no matter how tough it is.
I'd recommend this for all ages, but imagine it would be incredibly inspiring for tweens/teens in Sadie's age group.
May 5, 2020
Sadie does a wonderful job of taking the reader through her journey as a childhood cancer survivor. This book is a great read for all ages, and the reader will enjoy the story more and more with each page.
May 11, 2020
Better Angels is the most inspiring story! I could not put it down when I started it. It is the perfect book for anyone at any age who is going through a challenging or hard time, which made it the best book to read during 2020. I highly suggest reading!
May 27, 2020
This book is a a well written book about a heart breaking topic. Sadie tackles a very difficult subject, childhood cancer. The story weaves together heartache, joy, tragedy and triumph in an easy to read book. I highly recommend this book for all readers. It will give you hope!
July 1, 2020
Powerful, educating, uplifting, empowering read. I am an oncology mom. I was hesitant at first to read this book (for my own emotional fears) but Better Angels is so uplifting.
July 8, 2020
Everyone should read this book! Sadie's beautiful spirit shines throughout her story.
I won this book in a giveaway, which in no way impacts my views.
I won this book in a giveaway, which in no way impacts my views.
April 7, 2022
Amazing book! I laughed and I cried!
May 13, 2020
One quality of an effective writer is the use of voice. The strength and passion of Sadie's twelve year old voice shines through from the very first page of Better Angels. She brings to life her experience of being diagnosed with childhood cancer at the age of seven in a way that allows the reader to identify with every detail of her journey. She does not tell her story to invoke pity, but to share the reality of how having cancer has led her to finding the angels that have blessed her along the way. Sadie's story is one of courage,hope, and inspiration to be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews