The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary D. Schmidt – Book Review

Title: The Labors of Hercules Beal Author: Gary D. Schmidt Publisher: Clarion Books Release Date: May 23, 2023

On the surface, the only thing Hercules Beal seems to have in common with the mythical Ancient Greek hero is his name. That is until his new Language Arts teacher, Lieutenant Colonel Hupfer, assigns him to complete the twelve Labors of the mythical Hercules. Then, Hercules Beal sets out to survive a new school, help his brother keep their farm and nursery running, and fight real-life problems that echo the challenges of the past. Along the way, Hercules learns valuable lessons and comes to rely on and appreciate the community that helps him overcome the struggles he faces.

Gary D. Schmidt’s The Labors of Hercules Beal is a memorable, witty middle grades novel. The Labors of Hercules serve as effective plot device to highlight how overcoming life’s challenges takes heroism and courage. As Hercules faces his twelve extraordinary labors in a single year, Schmidt demonstrates learning from the past can help navigate present challenges. There’s also a current of realism reflecting that sometimes when it rains, it pours, and such is the year Hercules must face. Through it all, the novels’ characters steal the show. From Hercules to Achilles to Viola to Mr. Moby and Lieutenant Colonel Hupfer, each is well-developed and memorable.  In the end, The Labors of Hercules Beal is emotionally powerful, and readers will root for its hero until the very end. The main characters present as White.

For educators looking to teach Ancient Greek myths alongside a novel, The Labors of Hercules Beal provides the perfect opportunity to do so. The inclusion of the mythical Hercules’ twelve labors narrows the focus in a way that allows teachers to make deep, meaningful connections between the past and Hercules’ present-day problems. For educators looking for a narrative to highlight change and growth in characters, The Labors of Hercules Beal also provides the perfect vehicle. No matter its educational uses, middle grade readers will enjoy Hercules Beal’s heroic journey and learn plenty of lessons along the way.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher, Clarion Books, for an eARC of this book.

Classroom Applications

• Cross-Curricular Study – Teach the novel in conjunction with a History unit about Ancient Greek Myths.
• Book Pairing – Pair this book with D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths or a similar text that recalls the ancient myths.
• Book Club or Book Exchange – Share the novel with students that enjoy reading realistic fiction novels.

Nonfiction Connections

The list below outlines topics that will enrich your students’ understanding of the novel.

• Ancient Greek Myths
• Flora & Fauna of Cape Cod
• Cape Cod Weather

Book Companions

The following are great books to pair with The Labors of Hercules Beal. In parenthesis are the specific aspects students could explore when synthesizing across the texts.

• Shouting at the Rain by Linda Mullaly Hunt (Themes, Nonfiction Connections, Character Connections)
• Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (Themes, Nonfiction Connections, Character Connections)
• Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt (Themes, Character Connections)

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