The Strange Case of Origami Yoda (#1)

Angleberger, T. (2012). The strange case of Origami Yoda. London: Amulet.  
Summary: Tommy, a sixth grader at McQuarrie Middle School, is curious if Origami Yoda is posses real powers due to the fact that he gives very wise advice but he is a paper finger puppet on not-so-wise, Dwight’s finger. Determined to get to the bottom of this dilemma, Tommy takes it into his own hands and interviews everyone who has received advice from Origami Yoda, what their experience entailed, and to create a case file of the evidence. Advice asked varies from what to do when water from the water fountain is sprayed on your pants to how to ask out a girl to the school dance. Tommy’s investigation is interrupted when Harvey, a boy that has always been mean to Dwight, imposes on their study. Throughout the study, Tommy gains a respect he previously didn’t have for Dwight and for Origami Yoda. The results end happily and all are friends until they have another adventure to embark on!

Commentary: The style of this book is immediately humorous due to the engaging drawings and comical commentary. The fact that the pages look crumpled and some of the text looks hand written makes this novel be more appear more realistic and plausible that a middle school boy actually wrote these case studies. This realistic fiction book definitely gives an insight into a middle school student’s world and the questions that arise or problems they are faced with. All of the characters are truly richly developed and well thought out for the setting and age that they are conveying. They do not act beyond their years but they do act appropriate for a sixth grade boy with a peaked curiosity. This book had me laughing out loud as I was flipping through the pages. I can’t wait to pick up the sequels to this novel. 

Connection: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series by Jeff Kinney