"Sharp and funny . this essential purchase will spark interest in classical mythology and encourage readers to reach out to ­others in times of stress." -- School Library Journal (starred review) "Schmidt employs his signature narrative style, balancing scenes of humor and affecting gravity through Hercules's droll narration. A moving hero's journey." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) "This memorable novel offers emotional honesty, wit, and a hard-won, heartening perspective." -- Booklist (starred review) "In his wry and sometimes gripping story of working through grief, Schmidt gives us glorious sunrises seen from the dunes -- where Hercules greets each day with a hello to his parents -- and a year in the life of a nursery." -- New York Times Book Review "Schmidt's narrative keeps readers engaged with action [and] humor." -- Horn Book Magazine (Pay Attention, Carter Jones) "Deft use of comedic scenes and Schmidt's trademark use of narrator-provided snark give the story the levity it needs to counteract the surprising number of tears readers are likely to shed.

" -- Horn Book (starred review) (Just Like That) "An unforgettable story of loss, healing, and finding one's way." -- Booklist (starred review) (Just Like That) "Alternating between poignant moments of humor, melancholy, and occasional suspense, Schmidt sensitively explores the various ways grief has of bringing people together." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) (Orbiting Jupiter) "The matter-of-fact narrative voice ensures that the tragic plot never overwhelms this wrenching tale of growth and loss." -- School Library Journal (starred review) (Okay for Now) "[A] stealthily powerful, unexpectedly affirming story of discovering and rescuing one's best self." -- Booklist (starred review) (The Wednesday Wars) "Deeply satisfying." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) (Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy) "Beautiful and emotionally honest, both funny and piercingly sad." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review).