Scholastic has pulled a popular children’s book written by the author of the “Captain Underpants” series — for promoting “passive racism.”
The publisher announced it will no longer distribute Dav Pilkey’s 2010 graphic novel, “The Adventures of Ook and Gluk: Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future,” saying in a statement released last week that the decision had been made with the “full support” of the author.
“Together, we recognize that this book perpetuates passive racism. We are deeply sorry for this serious mistake,” the company said.
“Scholastic has removed the book from our websites, stopped fulfillment of any orders (domestically or abroad), contacted our retail partners to explain why this book is no longer available, and sought a return of all inventory. We will take steps to inform schools and libraries who may still have this title in circulation of our decision to withdraw it from publication.”
Pilkey, who is also behind the popular “Dog Man” series, also shared a letter apologizing on YouTube, in which he explained that the book was intended to “showcase diversity, equality, and non-violent conflict resolution.”
“But this week it was brought to my attention that this book also contains harmful racial stereotypes and passively racist imagery,” he wrote.
“I wanted to take this opportunity to publicly apologize for this. It was and is wrong and harmful to my Asian readers, friends, and family, and to all Asian people.”
The decision to no longer print the book comes after six Dr. Seuss books were pulled due to racist and insensitive imagery.