First published 2023
Herc Beal stands in his new middle school homeroom, staring at an impossible assignment. His teacher wants him to perform the Twelve Labors of Hercules in real life. Herc knows the mythical hero he was named after, but he's the smallest kid in his class. Cape Cod has no Nemean Lions or multi-headed Hydras lurking around. His parents are gone, his older brother works constantly, and Herc feels alone in this unfamiliar place. But he starts figuring out how to tackle each labor anyway. He finds creative ways to translate ancient myths into modern challenges. New friends begin helping him, both human companions and animal allies. The original Hercules worked solo, but Herc discovers something different. He doesn't have to face his trials by himself. Through each labor, he learns about the people in his community and uncovers parts of himself he never knew existed.
Genres: family-life, adventure, coming-of-age, contemporary
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Cape Cod
351 pages · Kindle Edition · Clarion Books