Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda
Audiobook2 hours

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4/5

()

About this audiobook

A journalist and fiction author, Tom Angleberger has a knack for capturing the lives of today's youth. In The Strange Case of Origami Yoda, socially awkward Dwight shows up to school one morning waving a green finger puppet. Strange enough, but then Dwight starts talking in a funny voice and doling out advice. Is it the puppet, or is it Dwight? And will paper Yoda be able to help Dwight convince the girl of his dreams to go to the big dance with him? "Angleberger's rendering of such a middle-grade cult obsession is not only spot-on but also reveals a few resonant surprises hidden in the folds."-Booklist
LanguageEnglish
Release dateFeb 25, 2011
ISBN9781449860851
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda
Author

Tom Angleberger

Tom Angleberger ("Rise of the RoboShoes™") began writing his first novel in eighth grade, but never completed it. Since then, he’s been a newspaper reporter and columnist, a juggler, a weed boy, a lawn-mower-part assembler, and a biology research assistant. This bestselling author insists he’s not really all that creative—"I’m more of a puzzle-putter-together."

More audiobooks from Tom Angleberger

Related to The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

Titles in the series (6)

View More

Related audiobooks

Related articles

Reviews for The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

Rating: 4.236111111111111 out of 5 stars
4/5

72 ratings49 reviews

What did you think?

Tap to rate

Review must be at least 10 words

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    It was so funny I loved the great ending this book is perfect for kids

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Admittedly, I'm not a huge fan of any Wimpy Kid-esc story, so giving this two stars is still pretty good coming from me. I enjoy the Star Wars artwork throughout the book and love the cover. The book design was really nice, too. If you have a kid who loves Wimpy Kid or Camp Confidential books, plus loves Star Wars, this is for you! (Just not for me!)

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I went back and picked up the first book in this series. And I do like it, they’re very solid books for kids (probably more for the reluctant readers), but I think I’ll be skipping over “Darth Paper” and the future installments. I will heavily recommend them at work in the future, though.

    I have to point out the one main thing I like about this series—despite the kids being little middle school jerks (Lord knows I suffered through my share of them), there is a strong anti-bullying message and teasing kids for being weird and different. There’s definite growth with the kids’ interactions with Dwight, but it’s not after-school special “Everyone’s special!” shove the message down their throats. Which, imo, gives the Origami Yoda series a definite edge to something like the Wimpy Kid books. Yes, both deal with middle school jerks, but it feels like Angleberger is trying to push a more positive message to kids. (And origami. How can you not like origami?)

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Sixth-grader Tommy needs to know if he can trust Origami Yoda, a finger puppet wielded by class weird kid Dwight, so he compiles a case file of stories detailing how Origami Yoda’s advice helped or failed to help his fellow classmates. Each chapter is told as a first-person account from one of Tommy’s classmates and includes marginal commentary by Tommy and his more skeptical friend Harvey plus doodled illustration from his friend Kellen. Various fonts are used for each character’s handwriting while crinkled-paper backgrounds and varied formats, including interviews and top-ten lists, create a true case file effect. Young readers will find much to relate to in this humorous novel, from the anxiety of middle-school dances to the embarrassment of slopping water on the front of one’s pants to the moral dilemma of how to treat the class weird kid. Readers who have enjoyed the Wimpy Kid series may wish to check out this title. Recommended for readers ages eight to twelve. Includes directions for folding your own Origami Yoda.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    this book is the beginning to the Origami Yoda series and just like the other books, this was great!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    A humorous and endearing read! An origami Yoda owned by Dwight dispenses answers to questions plaguing various students. A clever story where Tommy and Harvey debate whether Yoda is "magic" by commenting on different students' experiences with Yoda's advice. I was so convinced that I created my own origami Yoda.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This would be a great book club choice. I love how the story unfolds from different points of view. The dialog and situations are very true to life, and the story will really appeal to tweens.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    A must read for the hardcore Star Wars fan. Put it next to the cookbook Wookiee Cookies. Plenty of geeky references.Also, someone recomended it for reluctant male readers - and they were right! My grandson read it straight through.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    One of my favorite books this year is The Strange Case of Origami Yoda. It is about a group of students just starting middle school. They are trying to fit in amd make new friends. Dwight is doing well in his classes, but stands out as an oddball. The other students are curious, though, when Dwight makes an origami Yoda, wears it on his finger, and starts giving advice in the strange voice of Yoda. Can Origami Yoda really predict the future? Will his advice about tricky situations (like how to talk to girls) really work? Is he tapping into the Force, or is Dwight much smarter than anyone suspects? Read this fun book and decide for yourself!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The Strange Case of Origami Yoda is a fiction illustrated novel written by Tom Angleberger. Tommy is a sixth grader who hangs out with a less popular crowd. One evening, at a middle school dance, his friends encourage him to ask one of the girls to dance. But before he goes, they convince him to ask Origami Yoda whether he should go through with it or not. Origami Yoda is a finger puppet made by Dwight, the group's strangest friend, and he advises Tommy not to ask her. Much to the group's surprise, Yoda turns out to be wise in his advice. The rest of the book, Tommy collects stories from countless witnesses(classmates) to figure out if Origami Yoda is real, or if it really is just Dwight making up a bunch of nonsense.I thought this was a very entertaining read because of the layout of the chapters. Each chapter is written from the point of view of a classmate, so the views and thoughts on Origami Yoda change throughout the book. This helps with the development of each character. I think the author discusses several themes throughout the book. Bullying, discrimination, individuality, and peer pressure are all common throughout the text. The main character is in a constant struggle between accepting Dwight's strange personality, or publicly denouncing Dwight's quirkiness for the sake of his image. This book reminded me of Diary of a Wimpy Kid mainly because they are both illustrated novels about the unpopular crowd.Teaching Connections:1. Let every student make a list of their own personal characteristics that might not be accepted socially. This would be a contemplative exercise in which no one else sees the lists. 2. Compare/Contrast with Diary of a Wimpy Kid3. Discuss the inner conflict that Tommy has. What would you do in that situation?The Strange Case of Origami Yoda is a great read for young adults. It focuses on common struggles in the middle school and high school environments and may act as a guide to accepting others. I would teach this book; I think most students would find it enjoyable.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    A weird child named Dwight in 6th Grade makes a puppet of Yoda from paper. A small green alien from star wars. The amazing thing is Dwight is so weird and crazy, While origami Yoda is very smart and helps them solve problems. Tommy Dwight's friend is trying to figure out if Yoda is real or a trick. Tommy wants Yoda's advice about a girl he likes called sara.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    The setup of this book was fabulous. It is told through the interview of students who have been helped by the advice of Origami Yoda. It has comments by Tommy, and his friend Harvey who has never believed in Origami Yoda.Tommy is trying to prove whether Origami Yoda is real or not. Who is Origami Yoda you ask? He is the origami finger puppet created and worn by the most uncool kid of the school. When Origami Yoda gives his first piece of advice and it turns out to be right on, everyone starts asking Origami Yoda for advice. Tommy must figure out if he is real or not so that he doesn't make a fool of himself in front of a girl. I believe not only will boys eat this book up, but girls will find it funny and enjoyable.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This fast read comedy about the power of superstition is a fun read. Dwight is a "loser" but doesn't care what the other sixth-graders think, he is his own person. By getting others to realize that it's who you are and not where you are in the population change, his friends start to realize what a really "cool" kid entails. The pictures are great, too!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    What a hoot! I can see kids who enjoy Kinney's "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" books enjoying this one.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Case studies are documented in this tween novel by Tommy who is trying to decide if the Origami Yoda finger puppet on Dweeb Dwight's hand is real and wise or just a wad of paper. Everyone who asked Yoda for help tells his story and each is commented on by Tommy's friend Harvey (who doesn't believe in Yoda at all) and Tommy, because he is trying to solve the puzzle of how this wise advice can come out of such a weirdo. As different case studies are shared, the complex social structure of middle school comes through as the less-than-cool kids try to find their place in it all. This book would be great for a discussion in grades 4-6, especially with the conclusion of everyone making their own origami Yoda. For those who enjoy, there's more- Darth Paper Strikes Back and the Secret of the Fortune Wookie.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Awesome book--whole family in stitches!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Dwight is an odd kid - he digs holes in his back yard and sits in them for hours, answers yes or no questions with the word "purple", and hides under the lunch tables for no particular reason. However, Dwight is the creator of the original Origami Yoda finger puppet and has most of the 6th grade believing that it can read peoples' minds and tell the future. Tommy, Dwight's friend, needs to know how much Origami Yoda can be trusted because his reputation is on the line. The Strange Case of Origami Yoda is Tommy's case file to discover the truth behind Origami Yoda. A simple, fun, easy to read novel. Although the plot is a little predictable, the light-hearted humor in this book will keep the pages turning.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    At first I thought this book was on the silly side of two stars, but the story actually grew on me. The cast of characters have typical middle school issues, but I enjoyed the variety of people they interacted with throughout the book, from a teacher to Grandma to a bully.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The Strange Case of Origami Yoda is a fictitious illustrated novel written by Tom Angleberger set in a shool.This illustrated novel is written from the perspective of a group of adolescents, mainly one named Tommy, who is trying to figure out if an origami yoda that made by his classmate is real or just a hoax. He has gathered a number of stories from the class that involve origami yoda's advice being given and calls on his friend Harvey to give criticism.The anecdotes are mostly humorous and involve experiences that most middle school age children and above will understand. The stories are written with the specific dialect of each narrator, and the personality of each comes out through it well, which allows the reader to easily relate to them. The book brings up plenty of social issues that kids come across in school, such as bullying, redemption, and greed. I agree with most of the opinions the social issues, but not necessarily the one about redemption, as it involves a kid giving into peer pressure when he was not necessarily wrong. However, most of the morals taught are spot on, and there is some good advice in the book as well.Teaching Connections:-Discuss whether the advice of Origami Yoda is good advice in each case.-Help the students consider whether Dwight is really "weird" or if he is just different and intelligent.-Have them think about people they know that are similar to the characters in the book, but not discuss it between each otherThis book is very entertaining and a pleasure to read even as an adult. The characters are well-developed and very easy for young adults to relate to. Some of the morals and lessons taught by Origami Yoda can be helpful to adolescents in times of social crisis. This book would be great for any adolescent student to read.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Do you like Star Wars? Is one of your favorite characters from the series Yoda? Have you ever wondered does “the force” really exist? If you answered yes to any of these questions then strap yourself in and get ready to go to a galaxy far, far away? Well, actually not that far away and I guess it’s not really another galaxy either. I guess I got a little carried away with all the Star Wars stuff. Anywho, The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger is a quick read that will have you laughing out loud as you enjoy this tale of a middle school boy named Tommy who is trying to figure out if an origami puppet is really able to give sound advice. At the end of the book, there is even a diagram that shows how to create your own origami Yoda puppet. So grab your lightsaber (it will help you if you decide to read in the dark) and let the force be with you, young Jedi. Happy Reading!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    read this in grade school and found it again now. Pretty smart books that ties everything together in the end.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This book was fun and very entertaining. I picked it up at ALA in Boston because I'm a Star Wars fan and so anything with an origami Yoda on the cover must be good. I wasn't disappointed! This is the case file on origami Yoda and the advice he gives Tommy and his friends about life, girls, homework, and everything and whether or not Yoda is for real. The comments by the other kids at the end of the cases and the margin drawings are awesome and hilarious. Read this book you should, make you laugh it will.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Tommy and his friends have always thought Dwight was odd, but things become even more strange when he arrives at school with an origami Yoda puppet that gives out surprisingly good advice. What stumps everyone is whether this origami Yoda is Dwight talking in a funny voice or if it's something more magical. Tommy and his friends conduct pseudo-scientific experiments with data they get from people who've had positive interactions with the paper Yoda, since Tommy is trying to decide whether he should trust Yoda's advice about asking a girl to the school dance. The book is interspersed with cartoons, sketches, "handwriting", and of course directions on how to make your own origami Yoda. Though the story is nothing new--it's simply middle school kids learning how to be social and interact--it's a very fun read for the 4-7 grade range.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Wisdom comes from the strangest places, and one of them is the Origami Yoda finger puppet that dispenses sage advice to the sixth grade.

    Love that this didn't have any real resolution of the "this is where the advice came from" sort; it just sort of happened. And boys and girls are just boys and girls, no matter how foreign they seem to each other.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Dwight is a wee bit odd. He's that kid in middle school that says the wrong things, mismatches his clothes, wears a cape because he thinks it's cool, and is the only one laughing at his jokes. Oh and he also has an origami Yoda on his finger that gives advice.Sixth grader Tommy is trying to compile evidence to prove one way or another if Yoda is real. Which leads to the "Strange Case" part of the title. Tommy has interviewed his buddies about their interaction with Dwight and his Yoda puppet. This is a pretty cute book and I can see how it would work for younger tweens. I know it's marketed toward middle grades, but my inclination is to almost recommend it to 3rd - 5th graders. It's definitely a grabber for some reluctant boys but it's one of those books that sorta remind me of an after school special, Nickelodeon style. There's the silliness but definitely THE LESSON of not judging odd people in school.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Tom Angleberger gets 6th graders' voices just right. Doodles and crumpled-looking notebook pages add to the fun. Fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series will eat this up.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Are you looking for a good book to read now you've finished The Diary of a Wimpy Kid? Look no further, Origami Yoda is here! Origami Yoda is a finger puppet made by this really weird middle schooler named Dwight. Dwight is the kind of nerd who wears the same t-shirt all month, wipes up spills in the cafeteria by scooting across the floor on his stomach, or only answers "purple" when you ask him a question. The thing is Dwight's paper puppet can predict the future and suggest the best way to handle a tricky situation. There's no way Dwight is that smart. So is Origami Yoda magic? The students of McQuarrie Middle School want to know so they start a case file to discover the truth. Check out their stories and related cartoons by reading The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I have been wanting to read this book for some time and finally got around to it. This book does an absolutely wonderful job of portraying the politics of sixth grade and some of the strangeness that goes with it all.Tommy has an acquaintance (friend?) Dwight who is a total loser. Dwight gives advice to people with a origami puppet of Yoda that he wears on his finger. The odd thing is that origami Yoda gives strangely...almost eerily...excellent advice. How can Dwight be such a loser when his Origami Yoda is so wise? Through a series of case studies provided by his classmates (and goofy pictures provided by one of Tommy’s friends) we get to see the affect of Yoda’s advice on the sixth grade class.This book is definitely targeted at middle grade boys, so I am not the target audience at all. Still I enjoyed the book and thought it was cleverly put together. It does give great insight into sixth grade politics and the story is strangely compelling as we follow along and try to figure out what is up with this Origami Yoda.The characters are all very realistic, which at times doesn’t make them all that easy to like. Still they all have good and bad aspects to their personalities and are all very easy to relate too. Tommy is on the fringes of the crowd, he is kind of a geek but he’s not as bad off as Dwight is.Dwight is fascinating, he give super wise advice through his finger puppet Yoda, but he himself is strange, abrasive and incredibly tough to get along with. You keep wondering what’s going on in his head.The story is compelled forward by a common and a not so common theme. The common one is will Tommy get the girl he’s dreaming of? The not so common one is how does this Origami Yoda give such great advice? The author does an excellent job of giving the stories by different kids individual personalities; you can tell each Yoda story is being told by a different kid with a unique voice. The pictures are amusing and there is a lot of middle grade humor here.The book touches on a number of great topics (friendship, being different, general school social structure) without ever taking itself too seriously.The book is well written and engaging. It didn’t blow me away, but I think that is partly because I wasn’t the intended age group. Still I did find it to be a quick and fun read. The book also has instructions on making an origami Yoda in the back, which was fun.Overall a fun and well done coming-of-age type story. It is done in a creative way; basically a number of stories about the Origami Yoda are provided by the kids in Tommy’s class. There is a lot of humor, yet the story touches on serious issues as well. This would be a great read for a middle grade boy; young adults and older will find it amusing and find themselves thinking about all the weirdos in their sixth grade class. I will definitely pick up Darth Paper Strikes Back to read at some point.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Dwight is a weird kid, but his finger puppet Origami Yoda has been giving great advice to his classmates. Tommy wants Yoda's opinion about a girl he likes, and has compiled a case of all the questions Origami Yoda has answered to try to figure out if the advice really comes from the puppet and not strange Dwight.Angleberger genuinely captures the tone of a concerned and inquisitive sixth grader. Short chapters/case reports will capture even those with short attention spans, and jokes in the text and funny doodle illustrations in the margins make for a laugh a page. Pages are printed to look distressed and dogeared, which lend to the feeling that the entire tome is put together and studied by a middle schooler. Readers will relate to the problems that students share with Origami Yoda, and may even benefit from the paper puppet's advice.Mid-to-late elementary students will be best suited for this clever book, but even middle schoolers will not be able to resist the pull of Origami Yoda.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Liked it better than Diary of a Wimpy Kid and thought it more clever. Also love the Origami Yoda instructions in the back.