Loki is a trickster god sent to earth by Odin for moral improvement. Loki takes on the form of an 11-year old boy who must earn enough virtue points in one month to avoid spending eternity in a pit of angry snakes. To help him keep track of his progress, Loki is required to daily write in his magical diary, which calls him out anytime he lies. Loki eventually tries to be good and slowly develops a conscience, but when he faces a difficult decision, he is unsure whether or not to listen to the voice in his head telling him to do the right thing. Loki wonders if it’s at all possible to redeem himself after messing up so horribly, but then he risks everything to try to save his friend. This chapter book, appropriate for kids in grades 3-6, appeals to a wide variety of readers. Loki is mischievous and likable. As a non-human, his opinion of human activities like Gym class and eating junk food are funny. The diary entries also provide social commentary that will encourage readers to think of things in a new way (like calling museums crime scenes). There are well-spaced graphics and sketches throughout the novel that inform the story and add to its overall humorous mood. The fast pace and constant humor will appeal to reluctant readers. This is a quick and entertaining read and fans will enjoy knowing there will be a sequel.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library