Illustrated by David O’Connell.

Published by Scholastic, 2024.

Hercules Braver is determined to live up to his name. But, as he starts secondary school, his bid for popularity ends up saddling him with a set of impossible tasks… like cleaning out the school pond, facing up to the school bully and finding the headteacher’s missing cat.

I really enjoyed Hercules: The Diary of a (sort of) hero. It’s very funny but also really heartwarming at the same time. The highly illustrated diary format will appeal to reluctant or emergent readers as well as to fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Loki.

I loved all the references to Greek mythology and how Hercules Braver’s ‘trials’ are loosely based on the first three Labours of Hercules, albeit on a rather smaller scale. With Ancient Greek mythology being widely studied and well-loved in primary schools, children are going to enjoy and appreciate this content too.

Perhaps my favourite aspect of the book was the way it challenges toxic masculinity. Hercules lives with his mom and his stepdad, Ken, who has helped to raise him since he was a baby. Hercules does not know his birth father. That is until he decides to write to him and invite him to visit. The two fathers could not be any more different and Hercules is initially wowed by Zooey’s flash car, his bowling prowess and general all-round coolness and strength. Ken, a science teacher, amateur inventor and unassuming nice guy, seems dull by comparison. However, as Zooey starts to reveal his true colours, Hercules learns to value what really matters in a father.

Hilarious and with poignant themes and important messages, Hercules: The Diary of a (sort of) hero is a book that will delight young readers.

Rating: 💙💙💙💙💙

Suitable for children aged 7+

Thank you to Scholastic for sending me this book to review. I reviewed this book as part of the Hercules blog tour. Check out all the other posts on the tour for more exclusive content.