The Labors of Hercules Beal

By: Gary D. Schmidt

Narrated by: Fred Berman

From award-winning author Gary D. Schmidt, a warm and witty novel in the tradition of The Wednesday Wars, in which a seventh grader has to figure out how to fulfill a seemingly impossible school assignment—and learns about friendship, community, and himself along the way.

Herc Beal knows who he's named after—a mythical hero—but he's no superhero. He's the smallest kid in his class. So when his homeroom teacher at his new middle school gives him the assignment of duplicating the mythical Hercules's amazing feats in real life, he's skeptical. After all, there are no Nemean Lions on Cape Cod—and not a single Hydra in sight.

Missing his parents terribly and wishing his older brother wasn't working all the time, Herc figures out how to take his first steps along the road that the great Hercules himself once walked. Soon, new friends, human and animal, are helping him. And though his mythical role model performed his twelve labors by himself, Herc begins to see that he may not have to go it alone.

Best of the Best!

Brilliant writing and brilliant audio performance

I did not want this book to end! “The Labors of Hercules Beal” is my first book by the author, Gary Schmidt! I am a new huge fan!!!

The labors and how bad Hercules had hardships.

I liked how it gave the book expressions and how it changed the sound for every character.

Loved the consistency of the narrative.

Was a coming of age story that focused on positive relationships and dependencies. We all need a reminder that struggles pass and growth is constant.

Truly a wonderful story.

I liked this book because of it many life lessons weaved into a story of a brave couple of brothers and their friends. Our ability to connect with the world around us, can bring joy to our lives even when there is tragedy.

Gary D Schmidt is a brilliant writer!

I (and my teenagers) are big fans of Wednesday Wars and Ok For Now. We also love Pay Attention Carter Jones. We loved Hercules Beal. Brilliant writing. Gary D Schmidt has become one of my all-time favorite authors. The narrator is superb as well.