Hercules: The Diary of a (Sort Of) Hero
by Tom Vaughan, illustrated by David O'Connell
Interest age: 9 to 13
Reading age: 8+
Published by Scholastic
About this book
Hercules Braver is certain that he'll make a good first impression when he starts secondary school, but although he succeeds in attracting everyone's attention, it's for all the wrong reasons.
He quickly becomes a target for the school bully and gets on the wrong side of the headteacher. As things go from bad to worse, Hercules is intrigued when his mum mentions that Zooey, his Greek birth father whom he's never met, is famous. Certain that a celebrity dad will improve his popularity, Hercules contacts Zooey and is delighted when he turns up on the doorstep.
Zooey is more awesome than Hercules dared hope: he's tall, handsome, drives a gold-plated sports car and whenever he's around, Hercules' popularity surges. However, the more Hercules hangs out with the cool kids, the less time he has for his old best friends and his nerdy but devoted stepdad. The time comes when Hercules must decide what is really important.
With a generous smattering of Greek mythology, this laugh-out-loud tale explores the nature of friendship, love and loyalty with a perfect mix of humour and tenderness.
Written as a series of diary entries, it is illustrated throughout with amusing line drawings.
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