The Labors of Hercules Beal

Gary D. Schmidt is an acclaimed American children's writer known for his nonfiction books and young adult novels. While he began his school experience as a young child destined to go nowhere after being tracked into the "pumpkin" group in elementary school, he later had a teacher who intervened and taught him to love reading and writing. He has received two Newbery Honor awards for his work. Schmidt resides in rural Michigan where he begins his day getting the "wood stove fired up, walk[ing] the dog, and then go[ing] upstairs to [his] study to write." Now a full-time writer, Schmidt served for many years as a Professor of English at Calvin College. His books often explore themes of personal growth, community, and the challenges of adolescence. 

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.

Publisher Description

Praise For The Labors of Hercules Beal:

• 2024 Josette Frank Award

• 32 State Awards!

• ALSC Notable Children's Books Commendation

• Amazon's Best Books Ages 9-12

• Junior Library Guild Selection

• National Book Award Contender

• Newberry Award Contender

• Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts Award Selection

“In his wry and sometimes gripping story of working through grief, Schmidt gives us glorious sunrises seen from the dunes — where Hercules greets each day with a hello to his parents — and a year in the life of a nursery.” — New York Times Book Review

"Sharp and funny . . . this essential purchase will spark interest in classical mythology and encourage readers to reach out to ­others in times of stress." — School Library Journal (starred review)

"Schmidt employs his signature narrative style, balancing scenes of humor and affecting gravity through Hercules’s droll narration. A moving hero’s journey." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"This memorable novel offers emotional honesty, wit, and a hard-won, heartening perspective." — Booklist (starred review)

"At once an epic journey toward self-discovery and a wonderfully entertaining yarn." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Schmidt’s narrative keeps readers engaged with action [and] humor." — Horn Book Magazine

Reading Guide from Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom

Findlay Hancock County Public Library Discussion Questions and Activity Ideas

Video Overview of the Twelve Labors of the Mythological Hercules (Age Appropriate) 

Overview from SoBrief

Teaching Books--Lots of Author Interviews Here

Gary D. Schmidt is not active on social media as he prefers to spend his time writing. He does respond to email inquiries.