The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

Author: Tom Angleberger

Book Summary: In The Strange Case of Origami Yoda,Tommy can't decide if the origami Yoda Dwight made is clairvoyant or a really good prank. If it is a prank, wonders Tommy, how does a total loser like Dwight pull it off? Origami Yoda is giving solutions to hard problems like how be liked by classmates, and it's working. Dwight, who digs holes in his backyard and then sits in them for no apparent reason, can't be smart enough to know the answers to life's toughest tween-age questions. Tommy starts a file of incidents involving Origami Yoda's advice and then analyzes them. He asks his friends to do it, too. He makes comments on each case, as does his skeptical friend Harvey. In fact, fed up with Origami Yoda and his faithful followers, Harvey makes his own Origami Yoda and gives opposite advice. Both Yodas give Tommy advice about Sara, the girl he likes. Dwight's Yoda say, "Likes you, she does." Harvey's Yoda says, "Hates you, she does." Tommy has to figure out which one is right before he makes a move that could pay off big time or end in complete humiliation.

Book Review: The Strange Case of Origami Yoda is written with the same appeal as the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. It uses a variety of fonts, small sketches, and humor. It doesn't linger too long on any one event. The pace is quick. The Strange Case of Origami Yoda also adds alternate views with engaging, sometimes hilarious, character narratives. This book will be another favorite of reluctant readers.

Interest Level: 3 - 6 grade
AR Level: 4.7 (worth 3pts)
Lexile Level: 760

Profanity:
None

Potentially Inappropriate References:
Pee - "It's not pee, it just looks exactly like pee."

Potentially Inappropriate Behavior:
Cheating on a test - the kids hear from Origami Yoda that they should study for a pop quiz.
Kids consider Dwight to be "clueless," and a "loser."

Parental Concern Rating:
1 out of 5