Step into the zany, superpower-packed world of Please Don’t Tell My Parents, where middle schoolers become supervillains by accident and steal the show! Written by Richard Roberts, this young adult series blends superhero antics with heartfelt coming-of-age moments, following Penelope 'Penny' Akk and her friends as they navigate a world where capes, gadgets, and mad science are everyday life. With a sharp, witty tone and a knack for turning comic book tropes upside down, this series is a hidden gem for fans of adventure and humor.
Imagine being the kid of two superhero geniuses, itching to join the hero game, only to be branded a supervillain after one tiny misstep. That’s Penny’s life, and it’s as thrilling as it sounds! Let’s dive into the origins, stories, and lasting charm of this delightfully chaotic series.
How Please Don’t Tell My Parents Began
Richard Roberts, a lover of fairy tales and unconventional heroes, crafted Please Don’t Tell My Parents with a comic book flair. Published by Curiosity Quills Press starting in 2014, the series sprang from Roberts’ desire to explore what a superhero origin story would look like for middle schoolers who don’t quite fit the hero mold. Inspired by classic superhero comics and animated series like Teen Titans, Roberts infused his world with humor, heart, and a touch of rebellion, creating a universe where kids could outsmart adults while grappling with their own identities.
Roberts’ background in writing quirky, character-driven fantasy shines through, with Penny’s mad scientist vibe drawing comparisons to comic icons like Tony Stark or Lex Luthor. His goal? To make a superhero story that’s less about saving the world and more about finding yourself—cape or no cape.
The Heart of Please Don’t Tell My Parents
The series kicks off with Please Don’t Tell My Parents I’m a Supervillain (2014), where Penny, daughter of superheroes The Audit and Brainy Akk, discovers her mad scientist powers. Teaming up with friends Claire and Ray as the Inscrutable Machine, she tries to stop a science fair cheater but ends up labeled a supervillain. The book’s blend of action, snark, and moral dilemmas sets the tone for the series, as Penny wrestles with being good while being really good at being bad.
Next, Please Don’t Tell My Parents I Blew Up the Moon (2014) takes the gang to Jupiter’s moons for a wild space adventure. Facing mutant goats, alien wars, and robot overlords, Penny’s mad science gets a cosmic upgrade. Later, Please Don’t Tell My Parents I’ve Got Henchmen (2016) brings the action back to school, where Penny’s reputation as Bad Penny inspires other kids to embrace their powers, complicating her quest to clear her name. Each book balances humor with deeper themes like identity, friendship, and the blurry line between hero and villain.
Set in a vibrant world where superheroes ride public transit and supervillains are as common as baristas, the series’ style is fast-paced and funny, with a comic book vibe that feels like a Saturday morning cartoon. Roberts explores how kids navigate a society that expects them to pick a side—hero or villain—while they’re still figuring out who they are. It’s a love letter to anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider with a spark of greatness.
Why Please Don’t Tell My Parents Resonates
Please Don’t Tell My Parents has carved a niche in young adult fiction, especially for readers craving superhero stories that don’t take themselves too seriously. Fans on platforms like Goodreads praise its clever dialogue, relatable characters, and refreshing take on the genre, with some calling it a must-read for comic book lovers. Its focus on middle schoolers outwitting adults resonates with teens and adults alike, offering a playful escape from darker superhero tales.
The series’ lasting appeal lies in its heart: Penny’s journey to embrace her quirks mirrors the universal struggle of growing up. By blending mad science with moral complexity, Roberts has created a world that feels both fantastical and deeply human, earning a loyal, if cult, following among superhero fans.
- Publication Years: 2014–present
- Number of Books: 8 (including companion titles)
- Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
- Target Audience: Young adult and middle grade readers
Ready to join Penny and the Inscrutable Machine on their wild ride? Grab Please Don’t Tell My Parents I’m a Supervillain and dive into a superhero world where being bad feels oh-so-good!