mrskatiefitz's review against another edition
3.0
This is a review of books 1 and 2 in the Charmed Life series.
In Charmed Life, a new paperback series from popular middle grade author Lisa Schroeder, four girls from different backgrounds - Caitlin, Mia, Libby, and Hannah - meet at summer camp and become best friends. At summer's end, they buy a (possibly lucky) charm bracelet as a token by which to remember each other, promising to take turns keeping it throughout the year. When it is her turn, each girl will add a charm to the bracelet which represents her personality. In Caitlin's Lucky Charm, Caitlin takes the first shift with the bracelet, hoping that its luck will help her acclimate to her new school. In Mia's Golden Bird, Mia finds herself laid up with a broken foot and left out of her usual favorite activities, but is surprised when a popular child actress hires her to take photos on her birdwatching expeditions.
The refreshing thing about this series is that the characters are more than just talking heads or stock archetypes. They are fully realized kids with cultural identities, complete backstories and unique interests. The plot of each story is strongly structured, even if the overarching charm bracelet gimmick is a bit unnecessary, and the friendship theme is just perfect for the target age group. Especially enjoyable are the portrayals of different types of friendships between the main characters and their various classmates, acquaintances, and occasionally even adults. Even Mia's unlikely friendship with a celebrity comes across as perfectly believable and natural, because the author takes the time to build the relationship in a way that makes sense and engages the reader.
The Charmed Life series is most appropriate for grades 4 to 6, though the books' appeal may span a wider range. The wholesome friendship-focused storylines will appeal to girls who have enjoyed the American Girl of Today books, the Baby-sitters Club series, and the Allie Finkle series.
In Charmed Life, a new paperback series from popular middle grade author Lisa Schroeder, four girls from different backgrounds - Caitlin, Mia, Libby, and Hannah - meet at summer camp and become best friends. At summer's end, they buy a (possibly lucky) charm bracelet as a token by which to remember each other, promising to take turns keeping it throughout the year. When it is her turn, each girl will add a charm to the bracelet which represents her personality. In Caitlin's Lucky Charm, Caitlin takes the first shift with the bracelet, hoping that its luck will help her acclimate to her new school. In Mia's Golden Bird, Mia finds herself laid up with a broken foot and left out of her usual favorite activities, but is surprised when a popular child actress hires her to take photos on her birdwatching expeditions.
The refreshing thing about this series is that the characters are more than just talking heads or stock archetypes. They are fully realized kids with cultural identities, complete backstories and unique interests. The plot of each story is strongly structured, even if the overarching charm bracelet gimmick is a bit unnecessary, and the friendship theme is just perfect for the target age group. Especially enjoyable are the portrayals of different types of friendships between the main characters and their various classmates, acquaintances, and occasionally even adults. Even Mia's unlikely friendship with a celebrity comes across as perfectly believable and natural, because the author takes the time to build the relationship in a way that makes sense and engages the reader.
The Charmed Life series is most appropriate for grades 4 to 6, though the books' appeal may span a wider range. The wholesome friendship-focused storylines will appeal to girls who have enjoyed the American Girl of Today books, the Baby-sitters Club series, and the Allie Finkle series.
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