Glow

by Nancy Stone

A magical realism story about rescuing the last of the legendary glow storks, with themes of friendship, destiny, climate change, and saving the planet.They’re the Only Ones Who Can See It, They’re the Only Ones Who Can Save ThemCordelia believes in facts. Frano believes in destiny. They're as different as storm clouds and sunshine―until they discover three baby white storks that glow with mysterious light. No one else can see the glow, just Cordelia and Frano―and she wants nothing to do with the boy. Yet with a massive hurricane barreling toward Florida, the birds' very survival depends on this unlikely pair. Glow pulses with light and with unforgettable characters. A magical realism story that aims for―and captures―the heart. For anyone who loved Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet or Willodeen.

Genres: Middle Grade

280 pages, Hardcover

Published June 23, 2026

Reviews

[Erin Dydek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cordelia’s life is falling apart. Her best friend left her for a new best friend, her mother left her for a better life in New York, and if that wasn’t bad enough, furious hurricane Luke is on the horizon, threatening her beloved beach house. No one is listening to her ideas concerning climate change. Then along comes Frano, the new kid at school, who’s brimming with positivity and grand ideas of destiny. Cordelia’s science-minded ways don’t agree if there are no facts to back up a theory. But when three glowing baby storks need her help, she just might have to change her mind–and befriend the only other person who can see what can’t possibly be true.

Nancy Stone’s debut novel, Glow, is brimming with adventure and coming-of-age themes. This middle-grade novel tackles the frustrations of feeling unseen and unheard, coping with the loss of a parent through divorce and separation, dealing with the effects of a clinically depressed parent, being brave when facing change, and learning to heal after the storms of life–both literal and metaphorical.

Suspense builds throughout the novel as the students realistically respond to the threats of the approaching hurricane and the news reports of its increasing severity. Cordelia strongly expresses her concerns about various impacts on the ferocity of the coming storm and the need to take real action to protect the planet. Her heavy-handed mannerisms tend to alienate the other students around her, and she must learn to be bold but less confrontational as she educates others about the importance of taking steps to save the earth. Frano comes along with his own set of problems, but is ever optimistic about helping others and doing what he can to follow his destiny. The two are polar opposites, but their interactions are priceless as Frano persistently pursues a friendship with Cordelia and gradually smooths a few of her rough edges.

Readers will delight in the adventure that comes along with Cordelia’s and Frano’s efforts to save the baby storks. No one else can see the glow they emit, and this mystery is a fun and engaging part of the narrative. Cordelia insists that there must be evidence for this phenomenon before she’ll believe what she sees with her eyes, but Frano trusts in his good luck as he searches for a solution to the plight of the storks. I loved Frano’s never-give-up attitude and his determination to be a friend to Cordia despite her efforts to keep him at arm’s length. Cordia was a tough cookie, but the hurt she holds inside is the source of much of her pricklyness. It was refreshing to see her growth and healing by the end of the novel.
Stone does a fantastic job using the story situation to reveal her characters’ transformative journeys. This engaging novel was a delight to read and a treasure to add to any middle-grade library. If your young reader is looking for a coming-of-age novel that deals with climate change, finding courage, and growing up, you’ll want to add Glow to your collection.

I received a copy of the book from Reedsy Discovery.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully interesting magical realism story that has a lot of great world-building and detail. It also includes relatable scenarios for middle grade readers, including absentee parents. The book also has great representation of girls in STEM. While the theme of environmentalism is especially relevant for school libraries and curriculums, anyone interested in sustainability and conservation in the environment will love this story.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was ok. I really wanted more from it. Glowing birds should have been so much more magical. I found them boring. I was also hoping for a nice read aloud for my kids (ages 7-12), but this felt clunky to read to them. I'd have to recap previous chapters when we would start a new one on a different day. I am also a big Anne of Green Gables fan so the reference was not lost, but Cordelia is nothing like Anne; the name and hair was where the similarities ended.

[Carlyn Morenus · Rating 3 out of 5]

A middle grade novel focused on climate change, anxiety, and navigating mental health challenges. I found the central premise, a supposed rare bird, but one that has never existed, a bit distracting in an otherwise very realistic novel. Didn't seem like magical realism, not sure why the author didn't use a real rare species, but otherwise I enjoyed the book.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glow (Hardcover)
by Nancy Stone
A naturalistic novel. A great out loud reading book for my first grade class as they study birds in science. The story can be part of the transition from recess back to class. The birds are detailed in their descriptions, and how they are in need of help to survive.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need to finish but loving this !!!!!!! Can’t wait to share

[Gail Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glow is beautifully written, multifaceted book. It is written in a way that will appeal to its targeted audience as well as the general public. It is not just a story about two seventh graders , glowing birds and a hurricane. There is so much more to it. It addresses such issues like climate change, depression and adolescent and parent relationships, but the most touching parts of the book are about light, wonderment, hope and love.

[JOanne Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just got my copy of GLOW, by Nancy Stone. It’s her debut middle grades novel perfectly suited for encouraging kids to find hope and empowerment in these complicated times. From fitting in to climate change, GLOW’s main characters navigate through all the levels of challenges facing kids today finding friendship, acceptance, and the courage of their convictions along the way. Kids will find bits of themselves in the delightfully determined Cordelia and endlessly optimistic Frano and will be so drawn into the fast-moving story, they won’t be able to put it down. Do Cordelia and Frano choose the best way to save the helpless baby storks? Can children actually help adults see the hope and magic in the world again?

Kids have fraud radar. They are immediately put off by stories that they perceive as talking down to them or pushing them too harshly into uncomfortable reality. Most authors miss the mark falling on either side. Stone’s writing sensitively reveals the place and people, balancing the story on that delicate edge of where young readers feel known and respected with just enough mystery and danger to peak and hold their interest without boring or overwhelming them.

As a teacher, finding these types of books is as rare as glowing storks; appropriate for an entire class of readers while respecting childhood as precious and important, not just a trial run for adulthood. Not an easy feat, GLOW has all the components of being a classroom classic, qualified to join the ranks of Kate DiCamillos’s realistic Because of Winn Dixie with a hint of the magic of Natalie Babbitt’s Tuck Everlasting