About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the labels others have put on them or feels trapped in a sibling's shadow. This funny, doodle-filled diary follows the Norse god Loki, trapped in the body of an eleven-year-old, as he faces a classic middle-school crisis: being cast as the villain in the school play while his 'perfect' brother gets the lead. It is a brilliant exploration of the self-fulfilling prophecy of being the 'bad kid.' Parents will appreciate how it uses humor and Norse mythology to tackle deep questions about identity, the ethics of power, and the desire for validation. It is perfectly pitched for ages 8 to 12, offering a safe space to discuss why we sometimes act out when we feel misunderstood.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
Parents may want to be ready to discuss the emotional themes of peer rejection and the psychological impact of being labeled "the bad kid." Specifically, be prepared for the "nature vs. nurture" aspect of Loki's character: the conversation around whether calling someone "bad" makes them act that way. While the tone remains comedic and the peril is mild, the "unloved child" theme may require parental conversation.
Ideal Reader
A middle-grade reader who loves 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' style humor but wants more magical stakes. It is especially resonant for kids who feel like the 'black sheep' of the family or classroom.
Parent Prep
No scenes of graphic violence or harm require previewing, but parents should be prepared to discuss the emotional impact of being labeled a "villain" by peers and authority figures. A quick refresher on the Ring of the Nibelung or general Norse myths adds fun context. A child expressing that 'everyone thinks I am the bad one anyway, so why should I try?'
Age Experience
Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the slapstick humor and the cool factor of the magic ring. Older readers (11-12) will better grasp the sophisticated irony of Loki's narration and the psychological weight of his identity crisis.
What Makes It Special
Stowell uses the 'unreliable narrator' trope perfectly for this age group, using Loki's diary doodles to show the gap between how he sees himself and how the world actually works.
Read plot summary
Loki is still serving his exile on Earth in the form of a pre-teen boy. When his guardians go on vacation, Odin sends the 'perfect' god Baldur to supervise, sparking intense jealousy in Loki. Things escalate at school when Loki is cast as the villain in the school play while Thor and Baldur take center stage. Loki discovers a ring that seems to be the cursed ring of Andvari, which grants him the popularity he craves but at the cost of his moral compass. He must decide if he wants to be the person everyone expects him to be or someone better.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Loki is upset that he was cast as the villain in the school play. Do you think people sometimes treat others like villains in real life just because of how they look or act?
2
The ring makes people love Loki, but it is not 'real' love. Why does Loki eventually find this unsatisfying?
3
Baldur is the god of 'making Loki look bad.' Have you ever felt like you were being compared to someone who seemed perfect?
4
Loki says lying is just like acting. Do you agree? What is the difference between performing on stage and tricking people in real life?
5
By the end of the book, what do you think actually makes someone a hero?
