Glow & Shine: The Science & History Behind Creating Light

Discover the fascinating story of how humans — and nature — learned to light up the dark.

From ancient campfires to glowing jellyfish, from radium-painted watches to high-tech LEDs, light has transformed our nights and shaped our world. Glow and Shine: The Science and History Behind Creating Light takes readers on an illuminating journey across centuries, cultures, and technologies to uncover the many ways we’ve learned to make the dark sparkle.

Inside you’ll find:

• The surprising role of alchemists and accidental discoveries in the history of glow.

• How neon signs, blacklights, and glow sticks went from scientific tools to cultural icons.

• The natural light shows of fireflies, fungi, and deep-sea creatures — and the science that makes them shine.

• How tiny semiconductors became the most versatile light source in human history.

• The dazzling light displays beyond Earth, from auroras to nebulae.

Written in a fun, accessible style for young adults but engaging enough for all ages, Glow and Shine blends storytelling with science to create an unforgettable look at humanity’s oldest obsession. Whether you’re reading for school, for fun, or just because you love to learn, this book will leave you seeing light in a whole new way.