Families who loved Loki: A Bad God's Guide to Ruling the World by Louie Stowell often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
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.
