The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary D. Schmidt
Published by Clarion Books on May 23, 2023
ISBN: 0358659639
Pages: 352
Genres: Humor, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Hercules Beal has been given a tough assignment at his new school: to duplicate the feats of the mythological Hercules in his small Cape Cod town and write reflections on each one. At first this task seems daunting, but with some ingenuity and help from a few friends and neighbors, he is able to chip away at the twelve labors. As he reflects on his completed challenges, Hercules experiences a year of tremendous growth and healing after the death of his parents in a car accident. Hercules becomes an important member of his school and a valued member of his community, so when he needs help he is surrounded by a network of friends and neighbors who lift him up.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library