Secrets of the Magic Glass: A Heartfelt Middle Grade Adventure

There’s something special about a chapter book that engages young readers, doesn’t rush past hard things, and still leaves room for wonder. Secrets of the Magic Glass by Cassis Sano does exactly that.

Recommended for ages 8–12, this middle-grade novel follows fifth grader Andie as she navigates social struggles at school, her deep love of science, and the heartbreaking reality of her Papa’s cancer diagnosis and eventual death. It’s tender without being overwhelming. Honest without being heavy. And beautifully written from beginning to end.

Set in the picturesque coastal town of Camden, the story feels grounded in a real place. You can practically see the harbor, feel the salt air, and picture each quiet moment as it unfolds. Sano has a gift for painting mental images so clearly that readers don’t just read the story — they step into it.

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About the Author

Cassis Sano is both the author and illustrator of Secrets of the Magic Glass, bringing a cohesive creative vision to the story. As a Maine-based writer, her connection to place shines through in the vivid setting and authentic details woven throughout the book.

Her background in illustration adds an extra depth to the storytelling — there’s a visual richness to the writing itself. Scenes feel carefully composed. Emotions feel textured. The balance of imagination and grounded reality reflects a storyteller who understands how children experience the world: with curiosity, intensity, and wonder.

A person in a white t-shirt and cap is painting on an easel under a large black umbrella in a green outdoor setting.

Supporting local authors is always meaningful, and it’s especially special when the story itself feels rooted in the landscapes and communities many Maine families know so well.

A Story That Blends Magic, Science, and Real Life

What makes Secrets of the Magic Glass especially compelling is how it weaves together:

A touch of magic
A genuine curiosity about science
The complexities of friendship, grief, and growing up

Andie’s voice feels authentic. Her struggles with friendships are relatable. Her fascination with science is inspiring. Her grief is handled with care and depth. It’s the kind of story that opens the door for meaningful conversations — about loss, about resilience, and about how curiosity can carry us through hard seasons.

Who Would Enjoy This Book?

This is a wonderful fit for:

Budding independent readers who are ready for richer emotional themes
Kids who love science and problem-solving
Sensitive, thoughtful children who feel things deeply
Families walking through big life transitions
Classrooms looking for meaningful read-alouds

It would also make a thoughtful gift — for birthdays, Easter baskets, summer reading kickoffs, or tucked into a Christmas stocking. For any child stepping into that 8–12 age range and ready for chapter books with heart, this is a meaningful choice.

A Personal Note

I originally began reading this aloud to my kids, thinking it would be a cozy family read-together. But somewhere along the way, I found myself sneaking chapters after bedtime — because the story was simply too good to put down. I ended up finishing it on my own before we could finish it together. That rarely happens with me and middle-grade fiction, and I think that says something. It’s engaging. It’s layered. And it lingers.

Why It Stands Out

In a world full of fast-paced, flashy stories, Secrets of the Magic Glass feels steady and sincere. It reminds readers that imagination and science can coexist. That grief and wonder can share the same space. That growing up is complicated — but also beautiful.

And for Maine families, there’s something especially meaningful about reading a story set right here along our own coast.

If you’re looking for a middle grade chapter book set in Maine, one that’s relatable, emotionally rich, and vividly written, this is absolutely worth adding to your home or classroom library.

👉 You can find Secrets of the Magic Glass here:
https://amzn.to/4awFr7H

Have you read it yet? I’d love to hear what your reader thinks.

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Disclaimer: I was sent this book to review, but all opinions are my own.
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