Where to Start with Captain Awesome
For the best experience, young readers should start with the first book in the series, Captain Awesome to the Rescue!. This book introduces eight-year-old Eugene McGillicudy, his transition to a new school in Sunnyview, and the origin of his superhero alter ego, Captain Awesome. It also establishes his friendship with Charlie Thomas Jones (aka Nacho Cheese Man) and introduces their class pet and superhero sidekick, Turbo the hamster.
Captain Awesome Books in Publication Order
The main series consists of 26 books published between 2012 and 2024. While each book features a standalone adventure that can be enjoyed independently, reading them in publication order helps children follow the characters' growing friendships and recurring schoolyard jokes.
- Captain Awesome to the Rescue! (2012)
- Captain Awesome vs. Nacho Cheese Man (2012)
- Captain Awesome and the New Kid (2012)
- Captain Awesome Takes a Dive (2012)
- Captain Awesome, Soccer Star (2012)
- Captain Awesome Saves the Winter Wonderland (2012)
- Captain Awesome and the Ultimate Spelling Bee (2013)
- Captain Awesome vs. the Spooky, Scary House (2013)
- Captain Awesome Gets Crushed (2013)
- Captain Awesome and the Missing Elephants (2014)
- Captain Awesome vs. the Evil Babysitter (2014)
- Captain Awesome Gets a Hole-in-One (2014)
- Captain Awesome and the Easter Egg Bandit (2015)
- Captain Awesome Goes to Superhero Camp (2015)
- Captain Awesome and the Mummy's Treasure (2015)
- Captain Awesome vs. the Sinister Substitute Teacher (2016)
- Captain Awesome Meets Super Dude! (2016)
- Captain Awesome Has the Best Snow Day Ever? (2016)
- Captain Awesome Takes Flight (2017)
- Captain Awesome for President (2018)
- Captain Awesome and the Trapdoor (2019)
- Captain Awesome Says the Magic Word (2020)
- Captain Awesome, the Show Must Go On! (2021)
- Captain Awesome vs. the Evil Ice Cream Jingle (2022)
- Captain Awesome Is a Spy! (2023)
- Captain Awesome and the Smile Snatcher (2024)
The Super Turbo Spin-Off Series
Turbo, the trusty hamster sidekick of the Sunnyview Superhero Squad, stars in his own spin-off series called Super Turbo. Written under the pen name Lee Kirby, this series takes readers inside Sunnyview Elementary after hours to follow the Super Pet Superhero League (including Boss Bunny and Wonder Pig) as they defend the school from villains like Whiskerface the rat. The spin-off also features graphic novel adaptations written under the pseudonym Edgar Powers.
Tips for Young Readers
The Captain Awesome books are specifically formatted for early readers transitioning to chapter books. With large text, short paragraphs, and illustrations by George O'Connor on almost every page, they keep children engaged. If your reader finishes the main 26 books, transitioning directly into the Super Turbo series is a highly recommended next step.