The Labors of Hercules Beal
on Goodreads (5,761)
What’s inside...
From award-winning author Gary D. Schmidt comes a warm and witty novel about a seventh grader named Herc Beal, who is assigned to perform the Twelve Labors of Hercules in real life. As Herc navigates the challenges of his new middle school, missing his parents, and longing for his busy older brother, he discovers the value of friendship, community, and self-acceptance. With the help of new human and animal friends, Herc follows in the footsteps of his mythical namesake and learns that he may not have to face his challenges alone.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-13
Length
352 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Hercules Beal felt when he faced each challenge?
How did Hercules solve his problems and what can we learn from that?
Which labor did you find the most interesting and why?
How do you think teamwork helped Hercules in his tasks?
If you could create a new labor for Hercules, what would it be and how would he accomplish it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate Hercules’ challenges to their own experiences. Discuss overcoming personal obstacles and the importance of perseverance.
As you read, pause to predict outcomes or possible solutions to the problems Hercules encounters. This fosters critical thinking and imaginative skills.
After reading, ask your child to draw their favorite scene or labor. This activity helps deepen their understanding and gives them a creative outlet to express their thoughts.
Use the moral lessons from the story to highlight everyday teachable moments. This reinforces the values taught in the book and makes them more tangible for your child.
Host a 'Hercules Day' where your child can take on simple 'labors' or tasks around the house, turning the lessons of the story into practical, hands-on experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance leads to success
Explanation: The story showcases Hercules Beal tackling various challenges with determination and persistence, eventually overcoming them.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this to their daily tasks such as completing homework or learning a new skill, understanding that persistence can lead to achievement.
Example Lesson: Teamwork is essential
Explanation: Throughout his adventures, Hercules learns to rely on friends and ask for help when needed, illustrating the power of working together.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to collaborate with others, whether in school projects or during play, highlighting the importance of teamwork.
Example Lesson: Honesty is the best policy
Explanation: Hercules Beal faces multiple situations where being truthful saves the day, reinforcing the value of honesty.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of honesty in building trust and credibility in their relationships with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Hercules confronts frightening challenges but finds the bravery to face them, demonstrating courage.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to face their own fears, whether it's speaking in front of the class or trying out for a sports team.
Example Lesson: Importance of clever thinking
Explanation: Hercules often uses his wits to solve problems, stressing the usefulness of intelligence and creativity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of thinking through problems and coming up with innovative solutions in their everyday lives.