THE LABORS OF HERCULES BEAL

Fred Berman's narration of this audiobook has a driving force--as do its action-packed plot and its hero, seventh-grader Hercules Beal. Berman captures Hercules's mix of determination and resentment when his teacher assigns him the task of performing the 12 labors of his mythical namesake. Periodically, Berman expresses Hercules's concealed grief over his parents' recent deaths. His performance is peppered with Hercules's wit, sarcasm, and sense of wonder. Berman also distinguishes the many minor characters. Together, these characters play a significant part in the story as they expand Hercules's view of family, friends, community, and life. Berman's narration keeps a fine balance between the action of Hercules's tasks and his moments of introspection and reflection. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2023]