Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Hammer of Thor

When Loki arranges the theft of Thor's hammer to trade it for his freedom, a group of heroes seeks to find the hammer and ruin his plan. Magnus Chase, a teenager who was killed but resurrected to become one of Odin’s warriors, is joined by Saimirah, a mortal Valkyrie who is Loki’s daughter, a deaf elf, a dwarf, and Magnus’ sword that can talk and move, and as they battle Loki and giants, Gods and Berserkers pop in to provide sporadic assistance. The second book in Rick Riordan’s Norse fantasy trilogy is suitable for literature circles or independent reading for grades 6-8. It deals with gender fluidity and good vs. evil and its non-stop action and humorous portrayal of the gods will hold readers’ attention. Social considerations noted.