Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Read

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Screenwise Verdict

If your kid has already burned through Percy Jackson, this is the next logical step. It’s fast, funny, and actually has something to say about homelessness and family.

Riordan hasn't lost his touch here. He takes the 'chosen one' trope and kills him off in the first act, which is a bold move that pays off. It’s high-quality commercial fiction that actually encourages kids to pick up a book instead of a controller, which is a win in my book.

Age Fit

Perfect for 10 to 14-year-olds. It’s written for that middle-school sweet spot where kids want high stakes and snarky humor without the 'adult' content of older YA novels.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

82

Strong emphasis on found family and loyalty. While the protagonist is a snarky teen, his motivations are rooted in protecting others and honoring his mother's memory.

Imaginative

94

Rick Riordan's reimagining of Norse mythology in modern-day Boston is brilliant. From a talking sword with a personality to Valhalla functioning like a high-end, eternal-combat hotel, the world-building is top-tier.

Safe

85

It's a book about Vikings, so expect fantasy violence—including the main character dying in the first few chapters. However, it's handled with a humorous tone that keeps it from being traumatizing for the 10+ crowd.

Enriching

90

Excellent introduction to Norse mythology. It also handles the reality of teen homelessness with more nuance and empathy than your average middle-grade adventure.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Riordan is the master of making ancient myths feel like they’re happening in your backyard.
The protagonist, Magnus, is genuinely funny and relatable, especially for kids who feel like outsiders.
It’s a fantastic gateway into Norse mythology that’s way more entertaining than a textbook.
Features a diverse cast of characters that feels organic to the story, not like a checklist.

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What to Watch For

The book opens with the main character dying. It’s the premise of the series, but sensitive kids might find the concept of 'dying to get to heaven' a bit heavy.
Viking myths are inherently violent; expect some mythological gore, like giants losing limbs or heads, though it's usually played for action rather than horror.

Conversation Starters

"If you had to choose a Norse god to be your parent, which one would it be and why?"
"Magnus lived on the streets for two years—how did that change the way he saw the 'normal' world?"
"What did you think about the way Valhalla was described? Does it sound like a place you'd actually want to spend eternity?"
"If your sword could talk, what kind of personality do you think it would have?"

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