Book Review - The Strange Case Of Origami Yoda

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda is a hilarious book that is narrated by Tommy and organized into case files.  Tommy is interested in determining whether or not Origami Yoda is real or not.  Tommy explains to the readers that Dwight has an origami figure that looks like Yoda from Star Wars on his pinky finger.  We learn that Origami Yoda is dispensing advice to many of the students at their school.  Harvey believes that Dwight is actually giving the advice.  The book is set up as case files that explain the situations that involve Origami Yoda.  Many of case files support the idea that Origami Yoda is separate from Dwight, especially when they provide prof that Dwight does not always take Yoda’s advice.  Origami Yoda provides advice on relationship, school and may other things. Tommy and his friends spend the entire book trying to prove Harvey wrong.  This is a very enjoyable book that I found myself laughing out loud.

I chose to read this book by Tom Angleberger and was very sad that I had not read this book before.  This fiction book is perfect for middle grade and middle school students.  It provides a plot, fun characters and lots of comic relief.  I found myself truly loving Dwight.  The book is organized in a very different way that allows for a variety of point of views/characters to tell their stories involving Origami Yoda, which provides different interpretation of events.  The setting or time period is very limited and does not span a large amount of time, which is an example of young adult literature.  There is some minor growth of the characters, but the book does address some changes made by the characters.  When I read this book, I just felt joy and fun and it renewed my love of reading literature that is directed towards the students that I teach. 

Angleberger, T. (2013). Origami Yoda. New York: Amulet Books.