From the Bookshelf of Mock Newbery 2026

The Labors of Hercules Beal
by
Start date
January 16, 2024
Finish date
January 31, 2024
Discussion
Newbery 2024
Why we're reading this
Winner of our Mock Newbery

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Group Discussions About This Book

Showing 2 of 17 topics — 339 comments total
+ Newbery 2024
* 2024 ALA Newbery Award
By Kristen · 36 posts · 198 views
last updated Feb 03, 2024 05:00AM
This topic has been closed to new comments. * Final Round - 2024 Mock Newbery Award
By Kristen · 34 posts · 187 views
last updated Jan 16, 2024 06:26AM

What Members Thought

Alyson
I love Gary Schmidt, let me count the ways.

1. I love how he ties works of art/literature into his stories. The inclusion of the labors of Hercules added structure to the story and educated me as well. So well done!
2. I love the characters and their development. I learned to love them as I read, both primary characters as well as secondary characters. Can I say again, the characters!!!
3. Bad things happen and the author gives the readers space to grieve and learn with the characters.
4. Past cha
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Mary Louise Sanchez
Aug 16, 2023 rated it really liked it
The book could motivate young readers to learn more about the Greek myths and the Greek god, Hercules and the labors he undertook. I enjoyed the story and was impressed with the work ethic of the young protagonist, Hercules Beal, who worked long hours in the family garden store business his older brother Achilles managed. Yet, Hercules also worked on his year-long Hercules labor project and greeted the dawn every morning because it brought him closer to his dead parents.
This wasn't my favorite
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Kristin R
Sep 08, 2023 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: juv, fiction
Hercules is living with his older brother and they are running their family farm since their parents were tragically killed in a car accident. This means that Hercules has to go to a new school, that is closer to his house, he has a retired Marine for a teacher. He is learning to accept his new life and trying to make new friends and do all of his homework. Great story!
LauraW
Feb 24, 2024 rated it really liked it
I enjoyed this book, even though some of it seemed just a tiny bit too far fetched. I like the writing and the characters.
Darla
Aug 11, 2023 rated it really liked it
Enjoyed this like Wednesday Wars but with the Greek hero Hercules. Characters were so real!
Angie
Dec 03, 2023 rated it it was amazing
Oh my goodness! Probably my favorite 2023 book for older kids. It’s so so good. So many layers!
Kristen Little
Jul 06, 2023 rated it it was amazing
Kathy
Jul 14, 2023 marked it as to-read
Quintina
Aug 24, 2023 rated it liked it
Shelves: juvenile, fiction, 2023
Ariel
Mar 08, 2024 rated it liked it
Shelves: mg
Only ok
Maria
Dec 20, 2023 added it
Shelves: children-s
Diana
Dec 26, 2023 marked it as to-read  ·  review of another edition
Katie I
Aug 06, 2024 rated it it was amazing
Beth
Dec 08, 2024 rated it liked it
Gaye Sanders
Jun 01, 2025 rated it it was amazing
Katy Marie
May 31, 2025 marked it as to-read
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