I Was Told There Would Be Glowing

Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2017 - Best Teen Historical Fiction 2019-2020 South Carolina Young Adult Book Award Nominee "A riveting story of ambitious and self-sufficient women, both in the present and past."—Kirkus Reviews starred review "Bryant's novel will surely spur readers to learn more about this dark part of history."—School Library Journal starred review Lydia is thrilled to join the working girls in the factory, where they paint luminous watch dials for the soldiers fighting in World War I. In the future, these girls will be known as the tragic Radium Girls: factory workers not only poisoned by the glowing paint, but who also had to fight against men who knew of the paint's deadly effect. One hundred years later, Julie, whose life is on hold after high school, becomes intrigued by a series of mysterious antique paintings she finds in a thrift store. When she discovers their hidden-and increasingly nightmarish-glowing images, Julie is determined to learn more about them. As Julie's obsession mounts, truths about the Radium Girls-and her own complicated relationships-are revealed. Can she uncover the secrets behind the paintings before she puts herself and everyone she loves at risk?