Module 15: The Adventurs of Captain Underpants: An Epic Novel

The Adventures of Captain Underpants: An Epic Novel

by Dav Pilkey

published in 1997, by Scholastic, Inc. (New York, NY).  

Summary

George and Harold are the biggest troublemakers in the school, and their principal can't stand their tricks; he especially can't stand their comic superhero they've invented--Captain Underpants!  After George and Harold get caught red handed for some of the worst pranks the school has ever seen the principal blackmails them until they hypnotize him into believing he's Captain Underpants!  Then they are off on an adventure that leads them to a face-off with the evil Dr. Diaper!

Impressions

The fairly mild potty humor in the book may concern some parents, but I didn't feel it was too much or too crude.  Its a quick read that many reluctant readers may find fun.  There are quite a few illustrations and features several pictures that the reader flips back and forth to see the "action": like Harold jumping on a robots head.  I disagree with the first review given about the illustrations take away from the plot.  I never felt like they were a distraction, they only helped enhance the book.

Reviews

"The title and cover art, which depicts a toothy, egg-shaped fellow in a red cape and jockey shorts, are designed to keep this chapter book in constant circulation.  The story is a superhero spoof...The extra leading and slightly enlarged typeface make for easier reading, but the silliness goes overboard...and the many action-packed illustrations rob the plot of some if its zip by commanding more than their share of attention...Still the humor is on target for some kids in this age group, who will undoubtedly look forward to a planned second adventure--Captain Underpants 2: Attack of the Talking Toilets." --Stephanie Zvirin. (1997). Booklist. School Library Journal. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database. 

"Few things command disrespect like the sight of a man wearing whitie-tighties.  However, the bald and barefoot Captain Underpants happens to be a superhero...Pilkey (Dog Breath) uses a sitcom-like formula to set up the rivalry between the boys and the principal, and to strip the authority figure of dignity...Line drawings of the slapstick action appear on every page, and 'Flip-O-Rama- climactic sequences create an agreeably corny 'motion-picture' effect.  But the lowbrow jokes (the Captain uses an elastic waistband to apprehend an evildoer) chiefly constitute this tale's harmless, non-gross appeal." -- (1997). Publishers Weekly.  School Library Journal. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

Uses

I think that Captain Underpants would be a great book to use for a boys book club.  The boys could read that book, and then they could have a little discussion about it, a trivia quiz, and then they could come up with their own superhero and make their own comic strip.

Module 14: Bronx Masquerade

Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes

published in 2002 by Dial Books (New York, NY).

Summary

Student's in Mr. Ward's class are studying the Harlem Renaissance and end up holding Open Mics on Fridays where everyone in the class can read their poetry.  The class learns about the power of poetry as they learn more about themselves and each other.

Impressions

I was really surprised by how much I liked this book.  I thought it was just going to be a collection of poems, but it has a great story and is extremely character driven.  There are a lot of different perspectives that the reader is exposed to, and the character development is great. 

Reviews

"Readers will become immersed in the lives of these students with their natural teen-speak: 'And guess what? that white boy can flow.  Makes you kinda wonder 'bout his family tree, now don't it?' Grimes addresses many of today's teen issues through the characters' unforgettable voices and poems...this book will be an exciting addition to urban public and school libraries and will serve well in teen poetry classes, speaking to the poet in every teen who picks it up." --Beth Gilbert. (2002). Voice of Youth Advocates. Retrieved from  Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

"A flowing, rhythmic portrait of the diversity and individuality of teen characters in a classroom in Anywhere, U.S.A...Competent and reluctant readers alike will recognize and empathize with these teens.  As always, Grimes gives young people exactly what they're looking for-real characters who show them they are not along." --Lynn Evarts. (2002). School Library Journal. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

Uses

I would love to use Bronx Masquerade in an adult or teen book club.  There is a lot that can be discussed with topics ranging from identity to teen pregnancy.  After the discussion there could be a poetry slam.   I want to see this happen! 

Module 13: Rapunzel's Revenge

Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale
illustrated by Nathan Hale
published in 2008, by Bloomsbury (New York, NY).

Summary

The classic tale of Rapunzel, but with a twist: a western setting and Rapunzel is not one to wait to be rescued!  After she discovers that her "mother", Gothel, is not her real mother and is using people as slaves, including her real mother, in the mines Rapunzel is put in a tall tree.  There her hair grows extremely long and extremely fast; she uses her hair to practice lassoing.  She finally escapes and runs into Jack.  Together they face foes and meet friends as they work their way back to Gothel's to save Rapunzel's mother.  

Impressions

The different setting and Rapunzel's personality are refreshing and give new life to the classic fairy tale.  The illustrations are fun, the humor is great, and it's just an enjoyable read. 

Reviews
"This is the tale as you've never seen it before...The dialogue is witty, the story is an enticing departure from the original, and the illustrations are magically fun and expressive.  Knowing there are more graphic novels to come from this writing team brings readers their own happily-ever-after." --Cara von Wrangel Kinsey. (2008).  School Library Journal. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

"Illustrator Hale's detailed, candy-colored artwork demands close viewing, as it carries the action--Rapunzel's many scrapes are nearly wordless.  With its can-do heroine, witty dialogue and romantic ending, this graphic novel has something for nearly everybody."  --(2008). Publishers Weekly. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

Uses
Rapunzel's Revenge would be a great book to use for a teen group.  The group could discuss the book and what they liked about it.  Then the group could pick another classic fairy tale and find ways to add twists and give it new life.  Then they could even work on putting together their own graphic novel.