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.
What happens when the twelve labors of a god become homework
for a regular kid?
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A
Modern Take on Greek Mythology: The assignment is to perform all
twelve labors, from capturing the Nemean Lion to facing Cerberus—all on
contemporary Cape Cod.
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A
Story About Brothers: Living with his older brother Achilles
isn’t easy, especially when they’re both trying to save their family’s
nursery. It’s up to Herc to figure out how to mend his family while taking
on his impossible quest.
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The
Grumpy Mentor: Herc’s teacher is Lieutenant Colonel Hupfer, a
retired marine who doesn’t believe in friends. But his tough assignments
might be exactly what Herc needs to find his own strength.
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Finding
Your Own Strength: Perfect for fans of Gary D. Schmidt’s The
Wednesday Wars, this powerful coming-of-age story is packed with
humor, heart, and the power of community.
About the Author
Gary D. Schmidt is the bestselling author
of The Labors of Hercules Beal; Just Like That;
National Book Award finalist Okay for Now; Pay Attention,
Carter Jones; Orbiting Jupiter; the Newbery Honor and Printz
Honor Book Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy; and
the Newbery Honor Book The Wednesday Wars.
He is also coauthor, with Ron Koertge, of Styx and
Stones. He lives in rural Michigan.
