Book Review: Assassination Classroom by Yusei Matsui

By Joanne Seward, RWBC Literacy Committee Chair

Following the next book review is one that falls under the science fiction action / comedy genre. It consists of 21 boxed volumes and is also a TV series that ran from July 2012 to March 2016. In North America, the Japanese book has been licensed for the English language by Viz Media. Currently, there are 27 million copies in circulation. A live action film adaptation was also released in March, 2015 and a movie sequel titled Assassination Classroom: Graduation in March, 2016.

It is a Japanese series that is both written and illustrated by Yusei Matsui. It tells the story that planet Earth is in total disarray with most of the moon obliterated. A yellow being, resembling an octopus, claims responsibility for the event. In addition, this character proves to be impenetrable by the existing governments due to its superpowers, very thick skin and can fly at extreme speeds. It threatens to destroy planet Earth within a year.

However, to avert this catastrophe, it offers an agreement to mankind in which the octopus will morph into a junior high homeroom teacher. Subsequently, the students that are in his classroom, are considered to be misfits in the entire school due to their lower grades, and inability to meet and abide by school rules and policies. Each of the students, granted by the creature, are given the chance to assassinate him, which is a teacher. The students are also fortified with special weapons, made by the government, that can kill him. This creature / teacher continues to teach the normal curriculum along with assassination techniques for murder. 

A financial reward is offered by the Japanese government of $10 billion to any one student who succeeds in pulling off the assassination. The reward ends up not being deliverable due to the creatures / teachers superpowers but ironically, he is a good educator in helping the students improve their grades. The whole premise unravels and becomes complicated as other assassins come on board for financial reasons and personal gain. In conclusion, the students realize and learn the secrets involving him and the reason why he must be eliminated, which is to save planet Earth before the end of the school year.  

Special Note

In reviewing books that I have been doing for the last three years or so I have stuck to just that ~ a review.  I typically rotate from ones that offer a moral and heartwarming message written by Christian authors to others that contain questionable and dangerous content, themes and plots. But on occasion I do offer an opinion and this is one of those times. 

The book has not been banned globally but has faced banning from several districts in the United States. The parental complaints have centered on their violent themes, depiction of harmful weapons consisting of guns, rifles and knives, assassination techniques, the undermining and disrespect of school policies and rules, and threats against schoolteachers. Age appropriateness and messaging is another factor as the book series was also in movie theaters. And what child does not like to go to the movies with promises of soda, candy and popcorn.

Is it any wonder then why all kinds of school violence and against teachers as well continue to play out across the country. The detail in which this book goes into regarding weapons and murder techniques is frightening. And considering Charlie Kirk's murder, which is really an assassination, is beyond alarming. Is there a connection?  Can these movies and books be an influential "guidebook" like others in the marketplace with benign topics for gardening, home improvement, financial /retirement information, etc.?

Young children and the student population are impressionable, easily influenced, naive and feel a need to fit in. I believe this book is actually a front, written in a comical and whimsy-like style, using cartoon-like characters and illustrations to convey a far more sinister and dangerous message. Some of the pictures have characters wielding pistols with facial expressions hiding behind smiles but with purposeful intent. Books and movies and any other kind of publications or formats that celebrate this kind of subject matter should be met with caution and discernment by parents, educators and any other caretakers affiliated with the youth of today. 

Recommended Reading

Why Fascists Fear Teachers: Public Education and the Future of Democracy by Randi Weingarten

Randi Weingarten, the head of one of the largest teachers' unions in America has been attacked by the far right as " the most dangerous person in the world " writes in defense of public education which is the cornerstone of American democracy. She posits that fascists fear teachers because they support and foster an educated population and teach young people to think for themselves. She explains why all Americans should be aware and care about attacks on schools and teachers. 

Hardcover ~ 256 pages ~ $30.00

The College Scam: How America's Universities are Bankrupting and Brainwashing Away the Future of America's Youth by Charlie Kirk

Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, in his most recent book, questions why children get indoctrinated by the powers that be who basically disagree with America's greatness. His passion and voice was centered on standing up for and defending conservative students across college campuses nationwide. He considered it a must read for every student, parent and concerned American citizen. 

Hardcover ~ 288 pages ~ $25.00