The book series Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey has been on the
American Library Association’s hit list three times. This book was actually
removed from a school in Connecticut in the year 2000. “A parent charged that
they taught students to be disrespectful; not obey authority; not to obey the
law, including God’s law, improper spelling; to make excuses and lie to escape
responsibility; to make fun of what people wear, and poor nutrition” (American
Library Association, 2014). Personally, I do not agree with the censorship or attempted
ban on this book but, “Parents have the right to protect their children from
materials or influences they see as potentially damaging to their children” (Short,
Lynch-Brown, & Tomlinson, 2014, P.134.). I do not agree with the censorship
on this book because this series has captivated a young audience who might not
otherwise be reading. The book may have
some things in it that make parents feel uncomfortable but these same things
make boys dive into reading. Boys love talking about bodily functions and the
noises they make. They are also natural pranksters, which is why this series is
so captivating to them.
This book can be used in elementary schools to encourage students,
mostly boys, to start reading. Once they start, they are hooked. The author
uses words and names in the book that are appealing to boys and some girls,
like potty humor or a name like Professor Poopypants. This can be used to
engage a resistant reader or as a reward after content reading for free
reading.
The grade levels recommended for this book are second grade
through fifth grade. The grade level
equivalent for this book is 4.3, but younger students are interested in reading
this series also. Everyone’s love of reading has to start somewhere and come
from enjoyment. The humor in this series captivates students and has them
reading, the most important fact.
I would take this book and introduce it to students by asking them
if they are familiar with the series. I will ask students what censorship or
banned means. A whole group discussion will take place on this topic explaining
to students what this means. The class will then be asked if they know what
their first amendment rights are. A discussion will take place and their first
amendment rights will be explained to them. Another discussion will take place
on the level of laughter or noise in the classroom; if students cannot handle
themselves while working with this book we will not be able to use it. The
class will discuss why this book is not seen as appropriate by some parents. I
will then tell them we are going to pair up and partner read this series during
language arts task time. The job of students is to keep a journal of all of the
misspelled words and grammar mistakes they encounter; they are to write the
word in their journal as it is and then directly across from the word write the
correct spelling of the word. Essentially, the class is going to read the
Captain Underpants series and correct all of the grammar and spelling mistakes
that can be found. At the end of each book students will have to turn in their
journals for a check of correct spellings. Students can also work in small
groups if necessary. Utilizing the book this way will allow some students the
pleasure of finding their first series and work on spelling and grammar at the
same time. Sometimes all a student needs is to be introduced to the right book
to get them on their way to a lifetime of reading.
