The Adventures of Captain Underpants

Pilkey, D. (1997). The Adventures of Captain Underpants. Illustrated by Dav Pilkey. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.

Brief Annotation: George and Harold are always getting into trouble for pulling pranks, making jokes, and causing trouble while at school. One day they decide to make a comic book with the lead character being Captain Underpants. After being blackmailed by their principle, George and Harold use a hypnosis ring on him, turning the principle into Captain Underpants! Captain Underpants fights the crime of the city, namely Dr. Diaper and his evil robots, before George and Harold can transform their principle back to his regular form.

Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction/Frequently Banned Book

Grade Level: Grade 1- Grade 4

Readers who will like this: The book seems to be written for that younger elementary boy. The pranks, antics, and storyline seem to follow the traits of the boys in these grade levels.

Response/Rating (1-4): I would rate the book a 3. I do not agree with the Captain Underpants book series being on the list of banned books. The book was not entirely about a superhero in his undergarments, and the illustrations that depicted the character were tastefully drawn. They are full coverage underwear, including a high waistband, and end at the thigh. The pranks George and Harold pulled we very fictitious and not readily duplicated by an average student. I see this book series as way to pull boys into a good book that has a number of good selections to further the reading. If students are struggling to get into a book series, this just might be the one.
One question you would ask before a read aloud: Do you think Captain Underpants is a real person? Do superheroes exist?