Book Review - The Glow by Sofie Laguna

Published on 11 October 2023

‘The Glow’ is the latest junior fiction novel by popular Australian author Sofie Laguna and illustrated by Marc McBride.

It centres on two creative pre-teens, Megan and Li, who have a shared loved for creating spine-tingling monsters. Megan draws these wild beasts whilst Li writes their vivid backstories and adventures.

They live happily in this make-believe world until a strange glow takes over their real world, rendering their friends and family immobile, and only capable of staring at the strange light projecting from their screens and devices. It is up to Megan and Li, as well as their very brave dog Callie, to figure out where the glow is coming from and how to bring their town back to life.    

This is a fun, action-packed novel that will be an accessible read for young fans of the show ‘Stranger Things’ and anyone who enjoys fantasy and supernatural worlds.

‘The Glow’ has a strong message highlighting the importance of the imagination and holding onto your child-like creativity as you grow up. Marc McBride’s detailed illustrations will add to the enjoyment of the novel as they expertly bring Megan and Li’s fantastical creatures to life. 

A great read for children aged 8-12.

3.5/5 stars

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Keeper of the lost cities by Shannon Messenger (Book 1 in the Keeper of the lost cities)

Mega monster by David Walliams