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Twist My Charm #1
Twist My Charm: The Popularity Spell
*from Publisher's Weekly*
An 11-year-old girl receives a voodoo doll that’s meant to be used for good, but she figures out a loophole for making bad things happen to others in order to increase her popularity.
An 11-year-old girl receives a voodoo doll that’s meant to be used for good, but she figures out a loophole for making bad things happen to others in order to increase her popularity.
272 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2015
2 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 30, 2021
Twist My Charm: The Popularity Spell was a fun story. Cleo and her dad are starting over in California. It has been ten years since her mom died and it seems dad has a new friend, that Cleo is not happy with. Not only is she dealing with the possibility of her father and a new girlfriend, but Cleo is having issues at school. She is relatively new to her school and has one good friend, Samantha. Unfortunately, she is the target of teasing and bullying from the most popular girl in her class, Madison. For her birthday, she receives a Voodoo doll from her uncle. It is the Positive Happy Voodoo Doll - The Voodoo Doll Who Will Make Your Life Better. Cleo and Samantha figure out a way to use the doll to become popular at the expense of others, but things don't turn out the way they planned. This is a great book for young girls as there are a lot of topics that came up in this story: true friends, first impressions, teasing, popularity and its cost, and magic. I liked how Cleo grows and changes throughout this story and how she works out some of her issues with the help of her friends and her father. I recommend this one and will look out for others in this series to keep on hand to read with my grandchildren.
March 11, 2017
Twist My Charm: The Popularity Spell was a fun read! I read this with my daughter and we had a lot to talk about while reading it. Topics that came up were: the true meaning of friendship, false first impressions, whether it’s important or even desirable to be “popular” and at what cost, and whether magic really exists.
The Popularity Spell includes a few plot directions that are easily foreseeable, but is mostly packed full of unexpected surprises.
The characters are interesting, distinct, and believable, with all their mistakes, miscalculations, and human flaws. Cleo is a likable narrator, who learns from her mistakes. My daughter and I had a great time reading this book and we are excited to find out what adventure Cleo and her friends get themselves into next in Twist My Charm: The Love Potion.
I received a copy of this book from Random House Children's Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Popularity Spell includes a few plot directions that are easily foreseeable, but is mostly packed full of unexpected surprises.
The characters are interesting, distinct, and believable, with all their mistakes, miscalculations, and human flaws. Cleo is a likable narrator, who learns from her mistakes. My daughter and I had a great time reading this book and we are excited to find out what adventure Cleo and her friends get themselves into next in Twist My Charm: The Love Potion.
I received a copy of this book from Random House Children's Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 22, 2015
Cute story about friendship and how people are often not what they appear to be. A great book for young girls.
June 15, 2017
Gallagher, Toni The Popularity Spell (Twist My Charm), 259 pgs. Random House Children’s Books, 2015. $16.99. Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: G.
Eleven-year old Cleo Nelson is adjusting to life in Los Angeles, finding it very different from Ohio. School seems dismal until Cleo gets a late birthday present from Uncle Arnie, who has handcrafted a “positive happy” voodoo doll. Cleo and her friend, Samantha, anxiously try out the doll, wishing for simple things and as the voodoo seems to be working, aim for full-fledged popularity. The spells seem to take a dark and unexpected turn, and Sam has to decide what is really important to her.
I did not intend to love this book, but I did. There was enough going on that the plot didn’t seem trite. The book showcases the unintended fall out from getting what we think we want without seeing others’ perspectives. The characters are delightful and though the ending is satisfying, it leaves it open for a sequel. I’m there.
EL, MS - ADVISABLE. Michelle in the Middle
Eleven-year old Cleo Nelson is adjusting to life in Los Angeles, finding it very different from Ohio. School seems dismal until Cleo gets a late birthday present from Uncle Arnie, who has handcrafted a “positive happy” voodoo doll. Cleo and her friend, Samantha, anxiously try out the doll, wishing for simple things and as the voodoo seems to be working, aim for full-fledged popularity. The spells seem to take a dark and unexpected turn, and Sam has to decide what is really important to her.
I did not intend to love this book, but I did. There was enough going on that the plot didn’t seem trite. The book showcases the unintended fall out from getting what we think we want without seeing others’ perspectives. The characters are delightful and though the ending is satisfying, it leaves it open for a sequel. I’m there.
EL, MS - ADVISABLE. Michelle in the Middle
May 12, 2020
I LOVE this book! It's funny, hilarious... and I can relate to the characters a lot!!!
June 24, 2022
Middle grader Middle grader tries to improve her situation- she’s having trouble assimilating - by using a voodoo doll. Unexpected results occur!!!
March 21, 2024
Eldest read but why oh why do we need to normalize voodoo dolls?
September 22, 2015
I don’t read much middle grade – Okay, I never read middle grade. But when this book was pitched to me, it sounded like a really fun, intriguing read. Plus, the author was a TV producer for Disney’s Bug Juice. So.. Umm.. I had no choice but to read it!!! And I ended up really enjoying it!
The characters in this book were extremely relatable and yet extremely hard to relate to. I know, those two statements are completely at odds. But let me explain – I’m used to reading books with older characters. And at times, it was really hard to remember that the characters in this book were only around eleven and twelve years old. Sometimes, I caught myself thinking, “Wow, that was REALLY childish and immature,” only to stop and remind myself that they ARE children, so of course they’re going to react and behave to certain things in certain ways.
That being said, Cleo was a fun, relatable character. She was the awkward new girl who didn’t have the right hair or clothes and who was bullied by the mean girl – things that anyone, at any age, can relate to. She’s dealing with living in a new place and going to a new school, along with the realization that her dad is starting to seriously date someone. That’s a lot for anyone to handle! I admired Cleo’s ability to realize she was in over her head and needed help a few times. She realized when things had gone too far and knew she had to put a stop to them. Overall, I loved her character and personality.
Samantha’s a tough character to talk about because I really didn’t like her, but the reasons why I didn’t like her.. Well, again, some of the things she did were really childish and mean. But, like I said earlier, I have to remember that she IS a child. On the other hand, her age is no excuse for the way she treated Cleo. She was a bad friend, plain and simple. I understand why she was upset and I understand why she did a lot of what she did, but still. I’m happy with where her story ended, though, and excited to see what happens with her and Cleo in the second book.
Madison’s another tough character to talk about. I very strongly disliked her in the beginning. She reminded me of every mean girl I’ve ever encountered – and tried to forget – in my life. Couple that with the things she did to Cleo and Sam and you can see why she wasn’t likable. Once we got to know her better, though, I understand her actions and where she was coming from. Her personality did a major 180, roughly half-way through the book and I started to feel sorry for her and like her more. I REALLY like how her story ended and can’t wait to see more of her in book two!
I really liked Terri. She tried so hard to be kind to Cleo, to get on her good side without overstepping her boundaries. But Cleo was very stubborn and unkind to Terri. I understand why – to a certain extent – but it still made me sad. I loved Cleo’s dad and Terri together – they were such a fun, cute couple! I was shocked by the way Terri’s story ended and I’m crossing my fingers that something will change for her and her story in book two.
The middle/end of this book was pretty crazy and intense. I was shocked and saddened by some of the things that happened. But, overall, I really liked the way it ended and I’m very excited to get my hands on book two and see what happens next for Cleo, Sam and Maddy, as well as Cleo’s dad and Terri. If you’re a fan of middle grade and magic, then you’re going to love this one!
You can also find more from me on my blog: Pandora's Books
The characters in this book were extremely relatable and yet extremely hard to relate to. I know, those two statements are completely at odds. But let me explain – I’m used to reading books with older characters. And at times, it was really hard to remember that the characters in this book were only around eleven and twelve years old. Sometimes, I caught myself thinking, “Wow, that was REALLY childish and immature,” only to stop and remind myself that they ARE children, so of course they’re going to react and behave to certain things in certain ways.
That being said, Cleo was a fun, relatable character. She was the awkward new girl who didn’t have the right hair or clothes and who was bullied by the mean girl – things that anyone, at any age, can relate to. She’s dealing with living in a new place and going to a new school, along with the realization that her dad is starting to seriously date someone. That’s a lot for anyone to handle! I admired Cleo’s ability to realize she was in over her head and needed help a few times. She realized when things had gone too far and knew she had to put a stop to them. Overall, I loved her character and personality.
Samantha’s a tough character to talk about because I really didn’t like her, but the reasons why I didn’t like her.. Well, again, some of the things she did were really childish and mean. But, like I said earlier, I have to remember that she IS a child. On the other hand, her age is no excuse for the way she treated Cleo. She was a bad friend, plain and simple. I understand why she was upset and I understand why she did a lot of what she did, but still. I’m happy with where her story ended, though, and excited to see what happens with her and Cleo in the second book.
Madison’s another tough character to talk about. I very strongly disliked her in the beginning. She reminded me of every mean girl I’ve ever encountered – and tried to forget – in my life. Couple that with the things she did to Cleo and Sam and you can see why she wasn’t likable. Once we got to know her better, though, I understand her actions and where she was coming from. Her personality did a major 180, roughly half-way through the book and I started to feel sorry for her and like her more. I REALLY like how her story ended and can’t wait to see more of her in book two!
I really liked Terri. She tried so hard to be kind to Cleo, to get on her good side without overstepping her boundaries. But Cleo was very stubborn and unkind to Terri. I understand why – to a certain extent – but it still made me sad. I loved Cleo’s dad and Terri together – they were such a fun, cute couple! I was shocked by the way Terri’s story ended and I’m crossing my fingers that something will change for her and her story in book two.
The middle/end of this book was pretty crazy and intense. I was shocked and saddened by some of the things that happened. But, overall, I really liked the way it ended and I’m very excited to get my hands on book two and see what happens next for Cleo, Sam and Maddy, as well as Cleo’s dad and Terri. If you’re a fan of middle grade and magic, then you’re going to love this one!
You can also find more from me on my blog: Pandora's Books
September 11, 2015
Cleo and her single father have recently moved to Los Angeles, and so far Cleo has made only one friend, Samantha. She’s also made an enemy in popular girl Madison. Cleo and Samantha long to be popular and off the mean radar of Madison, and things get even worse when Cleo’s dad gets a girlfriend. But help arrives from Uncle Arnie in the form of a voodoo doll meant to make good things happen. Cleo and Samantha test the voodoo doll out and discover that it really works! Soon they make hexes for popularity and to take Madison down, but magic can be tricky and have surprising results.
Toni Gallagher’s Twist My Charm: The Popularity Spell is an amusing and clever middle-grade read full of humor, magic, relatable situations, and interesting characters. Cleo’s middle-school world, full of bullies; drama; and confusing feelings, is one that young readers will recognize and commiserate with. Gallagher explores this delicate world with age appropriate honesty, laugh-out-loud humor, and authenticity. The magical realism elements surrounding Cleo’s voodoo doll are fun and exciting! Middle-grade readers will be captivated by the voodoo doll’s powers and eager to see how each irresistible, over-the-top (in the best way) situation plays out.
Like the world Cleo lives in, the characters in Twist My Charm: The Popularity Spell feel fresh, relative, and relatable. From endearing Cleo, feisty Samantha, surprising Madison, wacky Uncle Arnie, creepy crawly Millie (the millipede), and more, these are characters that young readers will enjoy and be entertained by.
my final thoughts: With an imaginative story, oodles of laughs, and great characters, Twist My Charm: The Popularity Spell is definitely a charming read and I can’t wait to read book two!
Toni Gallagher’s Twist My Charm: The Popularity Spell is an amusing and clever middle-grade read full of humor, magic, relatable situations, and interesting characters. Cleo’s middle-school world, full of bullies; drama; and confusing feelings, is one that young readers will recognize and commiserate with. Gallagher explores this delicate world with age appropriate honesty, laugh-out-loud humor, and authenticity. The magical realism elements surrounding Cleo’s voodoo doll are fun and exciting! Middle-grade readers will be captivated by the voodoo doll’s powers and eager to see how each irresistible, over-the-top (in the best way) situation plays out.
Like the world Cleo lives in, the characters in Twist My Charm: The Popularity Spell feel fresh, relative, and relatable. From endearing Cleo, feisty Samantha, surprising Madison, wacky Uncle Arnie, creepy crawly Millie (the millipede), and more, these are characters that young readers will enjoy and be entertained by.
my final thoughts: With an imaginative story, oodles of laughs, and great characters, Twist My Charm: The Popularity Spell is definitely a charming read and I can’t wait to read book two!
September 24, 2015
Cleo moved from Ohio to California and she's still adjusting to her new school. It's a small private one where she gets a lot of attention in the lessons. She has problems focusing on her school work and is easily distracted. She's happy at the school even though not everyone is nice to her, because she has a great best friend. Sam is smart and always knows what to say. Maddy, the most popular girl in the school, doesn't like Cleo very much and Sam is never afraid to stand up for her friend.
When Cleo receives a voodoo doll from her uncle her father doesn't want her to use it. Her uncle has sent it as a present and it's supposed to be a positive doll, so she doesn't see the harm. Plus she'd really like to be more popular. Together with Sam she comes up with a hex. Because it works they keep using the doll. Only are the spells they're trying really that innocent and positive?
Cleo is a sweet girl. She's a dreamer who loves animals and she's happy when she can have fun. I found her really endearing, but she's also quite naive and impulsive at the same time. I think that makes her a great main character. She gets into all kinds of trouble and eventually needs to find a way out on her own. Of course having a voodoo doll to play with is bound to go wrong. I liked Toni Gallagher's idea and think she's written a wonderful and original story. Twist My Charm: The Popularity Spell is fun and unique. I liked it very much and think it's a book that a lot of children will enjoy.
When Cleo receives a voodoo doll from her uncle her father doesn't want her to use it. Her uncle has sent it as a present and it's supposed to be a positive doll, so she doesn't see the harm. Plus she'd really like to be more popular. Together with Sam she comes up with a hex. Because it works they keep using the doll. Only are the spells they're trying really that innocent and positive?
Cleo is a sweet girl. She's a dreamer who loves animals and she's happy when she can have fun. I found her really endearing, but she's also quite naive and impulsive at the same time. I think that makes her a great main character. She gets into all kinds of trouble and eventually needs to find a way out on her own. Of course having a voodoo doll to play with is bound to go wrong. I liked Toni Gallagher's idea and think she's written a wonderful and original story. Twist My Charm: The Popularity Spell is fun and unique. I liked it very much and think it's a book that a lot of children will enjoy.
September 14, 2015
Eleven-year-old Cleo Nelson isn't adjusting very well to her family's recent move from Ohio to California. For some reason, she draws the ire of Maddy Paddy, the school's Mean Queen, who delights in picking on her and calling her names. Luckily, Cleo finds solace in Sam, another classmate who doesn't fit in very well. When Cleo's strange Uncle Arnie sends her a voodoo doll, she and Sam decide to use it to get back at Maddy. When their plans succeed even more than they expected, they keep going, and try to thwart a budding romance between Cleo's father and another woman. As things heat up, Cleo realizes that Sam may not be quite the friend she had in mind and that she may have underestimated Maddy as well. Late elementary and middle grade readers will enjoy watching what happens as the girls take a walk on the dark side as well as considering how all actions have consequences, many of them entirely unexpected. Even magic used wisely may not turn out well.
June 28, 2016
Cleo and her dad moved to California from Ohio a few months ago and it hasn't been great. Maddison Paddington - Maddy Paddy - has made it her job to make Cleo's life miserable. But then Cleo's Uncle Arnie sends her a voodoo doll and Cleo is determined to turn her luck around and become popular. But the voodoo doesn't work like Cleo thought it would and she finds she has a lot to learn about friendship and love. And magic.
November 6, 2015
Basic tweens friendship story with awkward girls and mean girls and eventual changes for good, this time via a voodoo doll. Pleasant ending hints at next book. Like Uncle Arnie's sentiment: "friendship is the meaning of love and magic." pg 242
January 5, 2017
This took me longer to read than I expected, since it dragged around the middle. Really fun concept having a positive/ fun loving voodoo doll rather than the stereotypical ones that curse people. I'd rather be ok with some surprise pizza myself.
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May 15, 2016Great fun for pre-adolescent kids. Toni has a way of keeping the story moving and bringing in some great perspectives on friendship and making things happen for yourself in the world!
September 2, 2015
Books that encourage tweens to read are a win! This is cute, engaging tale for the gal in your life will be a hit!
January 2, 2017
It was an amazing book. I absolutely loved it. It takes you through the ups and downs of life.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews