Glow

Michael Vey is a teenager with Tourette's syndrome who discovers he has bio-electrical powers. When the Elgen Academy, a secretive organization, kidnaps his mother and another 'Electric' girl named Taylor, Michael must team up with his friend Ostin to stage a daring rescue. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals with Tourette's syndrome in a direct and realistic manner, portraying the physical and social challenges without making it the character's only trait. Bullying is depicted with gritty realism. The resolution of the first book is hopeful but sets up a larger conflict. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with a sense of isolation and vulnerability (heavy on the struggle of being 'weird' in school) and builds into a high-octane empowerment arc as Michael finds his 'tribe' and masters his abilities. IDEAL READER: A middle schooler who feels like they don't fit in, perhaps dealing with a learning difference or physical tic, who loves superhero movies but wants a protagonist who feels like a real person. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might reach for this after seeing their child come home discouraged by social exclusion or after a doctor's visit regarding a new diagnosis. PARENT PREP: Parents should be aware of scenes involving the kidnapping of the mother and some descriptions of experimental labs, which can be tense for sensitive readers. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger readers (11-12) will focus on the thrill of the powers and the 'cool' factor of the gadgets, while older teens will appreciate the themes of corporate greed and the nuances of Michael's loyalty to his mother. DIFFERENTIATOR: It is one of the few mainstream YA action series where the hero's 'disability' is treated as a foundational part of his character growth rather than a plot device to be cured.