A review by jtlars7
The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary D. Schmidt

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

Very good novel for older elementary/young adults. Deals with some tough themes, but it’s ultimately hopeful. Schmidt likes to include tie-ins to other books he has authored, and here we get to meet grown-up versions of Danny Hupfer and Mai Thi from The Wednesday Wars. (Fans of that book who skipped Just Like That won’t be able to avoid the bad news that starts that book here either.)