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Captain Awesome #1
Captain Awesome to the Rescue!
Bad guys beware! Eugene McGillicudy just happens to be the most awesome superhero of all time…Captain Awesome. MI-TEE!Now readers between the ages of five and seven can read chapter books tailor-made for a younger level of reading comprehension. Heavily illustrated with large type, Little Simon's young chapter books let young readers feel like they are reading a “grown-up” format with subject, text, and illustrations geared specifically for their own age groups!Eight-year-old Eugene McGillicudy is an imaginative boy who loves comic books and superheroes. Eugene also has his very own supersecret superhero alter ego named Captain Awesome. MI-TEE!When the McGillicudy family relocates to a new town called Sunnyview, Eugene starts a new school, finds a best friend, and even finds time to defend his toys from his two-year-old little sister, Molly! Luckily for Sunnyview, Captain Awesome is there to protect the town (and the universe ) from a hilarious cast of comical “bad guys.”With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Captain Awesome chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
62 people are currently reading
793 people want to read
About the author
Stan Kirby
59 books28 followersWhen Stan Kirby was 6-years-old, he tied a beach towel around his neck and became Super Commander Beach Boy. He tried his best to protect sand castles from the waves, keep seagulls away from his French fries, and keep the beach clean.
When Stan's not creating the awesome adventures of Captain Awesome, he loves reading comic books, eating okra, and hang-gliding (but not at the same time).
When Stan's not creating the awesome adventures of Captain Awesome, he loves reading comic books, eating okra, and hang-gliding (but not at the same time).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
April 29, 2021
I noticed many reviewers compared this to other young reader chapter books, so full disclosure this is the first chapter book series I have ever read with my son. I have no other reference points. When I found this and started reading it with my 4 year old I thought to myself that my kid IS Eugene. Everything in my son's world is a rescue mission or fighting off an imaginary bad guy. Because of that my kid completely relates to Eugene and ADORES these books. We have read 9 of them so far (multiple times over) and he cannot get enough. At least for my kid, there could be no better series to read. If you have a kid with a big imagination who loves super heroes then they will love this! This first one is a great introduction to the character and how he handles starting a new school. My son is always laughing at how silly Eugene is or the funny names he gives everyone (like Queen Stinkypants). It's a great starter chapter book because there are pictures on almost every page so my little one can keep his attention. Granted some of the references to school/homework/etc. go over my son's head but it does not detract from his enjoyment. If he could rate it I am sure he would give it 5 stars. Which is really the most important rating. I am not crazy about the fact that it makes school sound like it's a drag (my son hasn't had a chance to form his own opinion on school yet) and I don't love that Eugene assumes everyone is a bad guy right away. But my son TOTALLY gets it. Kids love books in which they see themselves.
August 22, 2013
In the same vein as Roscoe Riley and Junie B. Jones, this book has a superhero theme that will appeal to the grade 2-3 crowd. The main strength of the story comes from eight-year-old Eugene McGillicudy's imagination as he deals with his fears of starting at a new school by embracing his fearless alter ego, Captain Awesome. When Eugene is given responsibility to take the class pet home, his classmate, Meredith, becomes jealous causing him trouble. Fortunately, Captain Awesome knows how to deal with villains in a bold way.
Students love comics and will relate to Eugene's infatuation with his superhero, Super Dude. When Eugene meets another boy, Charlie, who is just as crazy about Super Dude as him, they become instant friends and form a superhero club. Those who love Captain Underpants might take a liking to this tale as Eugene labels the villains in his life such as his baby sister, Queen Stinkypants, and Meredith, Miss Stinky Pinky. Teachers can use it as a lesson in name-calling and kindness, but most grade 2 students know the difference between being kind and mean. This might be a bit off topic, but I have yet to read a book where a teacher immediately punishes a kid for name-calling. Most teachers I work with in the lower grades have zero tolerance for name-calling in the classroom. Kids lose minutes on recess if they make that choice. Teachers can't build solid classroom communities if name-calling is allowed and yet I can't tell you how many books I read where kids are allowed to call other kids names. Kind of interesting.
When Eugene adopts his Captain Awesome persona it helps him deal with his emotions such as annoyance, belonging, and fear. His baby sister is his "archenemy ...Queen Stinkypants from Planet Baby!" and he wails at the thought of her drooling or wrecking his action figure toys. To protect his toys he dons his cape and mask to chase her away. When Ms. Beasley asks him to say something in front of the class he becomes scared and thinks of her as a new villain named, "Miss Beastly." He feels bad when the students laugh at him and isn't able to talk in front of the class until he puts on his Captain Awesome costume. (Remember that trick next time you have to speak in public.) Again, I'm thinking at our school a teacher would have her morning meeting and students would greet each other and meet new kids in a structured way to build classroom community. Kids have a choice as to whether or not they want to talk. Sometimes it's hard to read books as an educator especially when teachers are presented as insensitive and in ways that don't reflect all the scaffolding that goes on in primary grades.
For the most part, Eugene sounds young but there were times he sounded too mature for an eight-year-old. I think one of the hardest things with transitional readers is to get the right voice. An adult trying to capture a child's voice doesn't always come off and there can be didactic parts that stand out. When Charlie and Eugene talk about the meatloaf lunch they sound too old. I could see them attack it as superheroes and make a game out of playing with their food. At one point I thought the author might write more like the Junie B. Jones using grammar that little kids use such as when Eugene describes something as the "worstest, awfulest truth", but this doesn't happen throughout the book. So if you are an adult who can't stand reading Junie B. Jones out loud because of the incorrect grammar, don't worry, this only had a smidgeon of that on the pages. Eugene does use slang like "toldja" and dialogue that sounds like a kiddo. Remember, that I'm coming at this book from an adult perspective and biased educator. There aren't many choices of books for young readers and this one is going to "speak" to most youngins'. This is a good addition to any library.
Students love comics and will relate to Eugene's infatuation with his superhero, Super Dude. When Eugene meets another boy, Charlie, who is just as crazy about Super Dude as him, they become instant friends and form a superhero club. Those who love Captain Underpants might take a liking to this tale as Eugene labels the villains in his life such as his baby sister, Queen Stinkypants, and Meredith, Miss Stinky Pinky. Teachers can use it as a lesson in name-calling and kindness, but most grade 2 students know the difference between being kind and mean. This might be a bit off topic, but I have yet to read a book where a teacher immediately punishes a kid for name-calling. Most teachers I work with in the lower grades have zero tolerance for name-calling in the classroom. Kids lose minutes on recess if they make that choice. Teachers can't build solid classroom communities if name-calling is allowed and yet I can't tell you how many books I read where kids are allowed to call other kids names. Kind of interesting.
When Eugene adopts his Captain Awesome persona it helps him deal with his emotions such as annoyance, belonging, and fear. His baby sister is his "archenemy ...Queen Stinkypants from Planet Baby!" and he wails at the thought of her drooling or wrecking his action figure toys. To protect his toys he dons his cape and mask to chase her away. When Ms. Beasley asks him to say something in front of the class he becomes scared and thinks of her as a new villain named, "Miss Beastly." He feels bad when the students laugh at him and isn't able to talk in front of the class until he puts on his Captain Awesome costume. (Remember that trick next time you have to speak in public.) Again, I'm thinking at our school a teacher would have her morning meeting and students would greet each other and meet new kids in a structured way to build classroom community. Kids have a choice as to whether or not they want to talk. Sometimes it's hard to read books as an educator especially when teachers are presented as insensitive and in ways that don't reflect all the scaffolding that goes on in primary grades.
For the most part, Eugene sounds young but there were times he sounded too mature for an eight-year-old. I think one of the hardest things with transitional readers is to get the right voice. An adult trying to capture a child's voice doesn't always come off and there can be didactic parts that stand out. When Charlie and Eugene talk about the meatloaf lunch they sound too old. I could see them attack it as superheroes and make a game out of playing with their food. At one point I thought the author might write more like the Junie B. Jones using grammar that little kids use such as when Eugene describes something as the "worstest, awfulest truth", but this doesn't happen throughout the book. So if you are an adult who can't stand reading Junie B. Jones out loud because of the incorrect grammar, don't worry, this only had a smidgeon of that on the pages. Eugene does use slang like "toldja" and dialogue that sounds like a kiddo. Remember, that I'm coming at this book from an adult perspective and biased educator. There aren't many choices of books for young readers and this one is going to "speak" to most youngins'. This is a good addition to any library.
January 3, 2013
Captain Awesome makes my 6 year old boy giggle uncontrollably while he calmly (!) sits in his chair reading. New fave series. By far.
July 19, 2021
I wonder what Nacho Cheese Man will do in the next book!
June 4, 2012
My son absolutely adores this book. I've been searching for a chapter book series with superheroes on his reading level (he's 6), and I was ecstatic when I found this at Barnes and Noble.
We've had this book a week and he's read it countless times already. When we were reading it together the first time and we got to the scene with Eugene's little sister having a tea party with his hamster, my son collapsed into hysterical laughter, tears forming in his eyes, and when he could finally breathe again, he said, "Let's read that part again!"
We just ordered the next two in the series and eagerly await the others which will be released later this year.
Thank you Stan Kirby and S&S for recognizing this gap in the book market and filling it with something truly awesome!
We've had this book a week and he's read it countless times already. When we were reading it together the first time and we got to the scene with Eugene's little sister having a tea party with his hamster, my son collapsed into hysterical laughter, tears forming in his eyes, and when he could finally breathe again, he said, "Let's read that part again!"
We just ordered the next two in the series and eagerly await the others which will be released later this year.
Thank you Stan Kirby and S&S for recognizing this gap in the book market and filling it with something truly awesome!
March 31, 2013
I agree with Susan (http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...), the concept is awesome, but the writing didn't quite live up to the predicted awesomeness.
Despite that, I know students who are going to love this series.
My 7 yr old certainly did.
Despite that, I know students who are going to love this series.
My 7 yr old certainly did.
February 27, 2014
The only part I liked about it is how Captain Awesome found the class hamster in one of the girls bags. I didn't like the part where he got a new partner, because I think he was fine without a partner.
June 1, 2012
It is the best book ever you should read this book it awesome. This book has a hamster named turbo. He is so cute. I think it is the best book I have read.
July 10, 2012
A new series for the 2nd grade crowd. The cover, illustrations, and concept are great! The writing is okay. I can think of readers who will enjoy this series.
June 5, 2012
Wow! What truly awful writing. The cover, illustrations, formatting, and concept are all appealing and I'm sure it will attract readers, but they'd be much better served by the many far superior options like Captain Underpants, Frankie Pickle, Squish, Wiley & Grampa, Super Chicken Nugget Boy, Missile Mouse, The Magic Pickle, and others. I had to quit after three chapters (of ten) because I couldn't take anymore and needed to rant; I'm not sure if I'll be able to force myself to finish the rest or not.
July 3, 2012
Cute in that adorable, rambling, stream-of-consciousness two-year-old kind of way. It will have appeal, but there isn't much substance or continuity.
October 10, 2019
Eugene is Captain Awesome. He is weird because he thinks everybody in his class are villains. Turbo is his hamster sidekick. Eugene met Charlie. They both had a secret identity. Charlie is Nacho Cheese Man.
The hamster, Turbo, got stolen twice by a girl in class even though Eugene was supposed to take care of him. Captain Awesome investigated. Turbo left a trail leading to the evil person’s backpack. He told the class Meredith stole the hamster. Then Captain Awesome switched back to Eugene and he got the hamster back.
My favorite part was when Eugene said, "What did I miss?" after coming back to the classroom. I would recommend this book because it’s funny.
The hamster, Turbo, got stolen twice by a girl in class even though Eugene was supposed to take care of him. Captain Awesome investigated. Turbo left a trail leading to the evil person’s backpack. He told the class Meredith stole the hamster. Then Captain Awesome switched back to Eugene and he got the hamster back.
My favorite part was when Eugene said, "What did I miss?" after coming back to the classroom. I would recommend this book because it’s funny.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2019
Mild mannered Eugene McGillicudy is about to start in a new school. Good thing he is also Captain Awesome! Captain Awesome can face anything including Queen Stinkypants (his little sister) or Dr. Spinach. Little does he know that when he arrives at school, his first mission will be to save Turbo, the class hamster, from the evil clutches of a hamsternapper.
Cute, early reader for students starting with chapter books.
Cute, early reader for students starting with chapter books.
November 3, 2020
I know this is a kids book, but on the challenge I'm doing there's a prompt for a book in a series with more than 20 books. Will and I have read three of these so far this year so I'm counting it.
Meanwhile, they are super cute and written really cleverly so I get laughs and he does too. I've enjoyed reading them....which is good since he's looking like he's going to be the same kind of devourous reader as his mom is.
Meanwhile, they are super cute and written really cleverly so I get laughs and he does too. I've enjoyed reading them....which is good since he's looking like he's going to be the same kind of devourous reader as his mom is.
July 6, 2017
This seemed like an attempt to combine Calvin with Ramona Quimby, without enough originality to make it satisfying on its own. The real trouble I had with it was the way some chapters ended, almost like a cliffhanger, and then moved on to another completely different scenario in the next chapter. A lot of unsatisfactory resolutions.
December 8, 2017
I know I'm obviously not the target audience for this, but I read a lot of children's books from picture books through YA and this just didn't do it for me. The best word I can come up with is that it just felt forced - forced humor, forced dialogue, forced superhero tropes. It wasn't terrible, but it's not something I would seek out more of or readily recommend.
November 6, 2017
I really wish Captain Awesome didn't hate going to school so much. I felt like my kids could not relate because it was so pronounced - particularly since they are only in second grade. They still love school!
July 11, 2018
Oh how I had high hopes for Captain Awesome. The font and topic are perfect for 2nd and 3rd graders. I felt that the Captain was a bit too imaginative for me with everything being a evil bad guy that stepped in his path. Glad Turbo the pet hamster is ok now though.
February 22, 2020
A super cute series recommended to me by a friend’s son! I totally get why these are his favorite books - Eugene is a imaginative and fun kid, and also a (shhhh) secret superhero! If you have kids in the age 5-7 range, I’d definitely recommend this one.
December 1, 2020
As a grown adult reading this, I find the images to be fun, but the writing to be just okay. On the other hand, most kids love potty humor, and I think this book adapts well to that characteristic. I can see how it would be funny for younger elementary.
Read
January 8, 2022This book is easy to read. I can see many boys attracted to it. I would recommend it as a book to get reluctant boys to start reading. It is a graphic novel and the illustrations are very vivid and well done.
I read this in one setting
I read this in one setting
September 23, 2023
I've read the whole series with my then 6 year old boy. He loved them. They were cute, funny, and generally positive. Nothing educational or special about them, but nothing objectionable so I would recommend them for early readers
July 14, 2017
omg gavin
August 19, 2017
3.5 stars - perfect for my 5 year old.
October 3, 2017
Great idea of comic superhero but writing did not live up to idea. Sometimes main character did not sound like an eight year old and writing was stilted in parts. Drawings great.
October 30, 2017
My boys loved this ;)
January 5, 2018
This is a great beginning chapter book kids. The print is good sized, the storyline is funny and it has some illustrations.
January 4, 2018
I thought this was a cute story. I put my copy in my classroom library because I think the boys will enjoy reading it.
April 23, 2018
Good beginning chapter book. I think it would speak well to young boys in particular. Funny, silly.
August 6, 2018
Read this book with my oldest son: it’s cute, funny and a read for any parent with their kid. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews