The Strange Case of Origami Yoda (Origami Yoda Series #1)

( 68 )

Overview

In this funny, uncannily wise portrait of the dynamics of a sixth-grade class and of the greatness that sometimes comes in unlikely packages, Dwight, a loser, talks to his classmates via an origami finger puppet of Yoda. If that weren’t strange enough, the puppet is uncannily wise and prescient. Origami Yoda predicts the date of a pop quiz, guesses who stole the classroom Shakespeare bust, and saves a classmate from popularity-crushing embarrassment with some well-timed advice. Dwight’s classmate Tommy wonders ...
See more details below
Hardcover
$10.98
BN.com price
(Save 15%)$12.95 List Price
Pick Up In Store

Pick Up in Store

Reserve and pick up in 60 minutes at your local store

Other sellers (Hardcover)
  • All (45) from $1.99   
  • New (26) from $6.5   
  • Used (19) from $1.99   
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda (PagePerfect NOOK Book)

Available on NOOK devices and apps  
  • Nook Devices
  • NOOK HD/HD+ Tablet
  • NOOK Color
  • NOOK Tablet
  • Tablet/Phone
  • NOOK for Windows 8 Tablet
  • NOOK for iOS
  • PC/Mac
  • NOOK for Windows 8
  • NOOK Study

Want a NOOK? Explore Now

NOOK Book (eBook)    
PagePerfect™ NOOK Books are carefully crafted to retain all the precision and beauty of their stunning print versions. Zoom in on photography and graphics, and fluidly scroll through pages of beautiful cookbooks, art books & more.
$9.99
BN.com price
(Save 22%)$12.95 List Price
Note: Kids' Club Eligible. See More Details.

More About This Book

Overview

In this funny, uncannily wise portrait of the dynamics of a sixth-grade class and of the greatness that sometimes comes in unlikely packages, Dwight, a loser, talks to his classmates via an origami finger puppet of Yoda. If that weren’t strange enough, the puppet is uncannily wise and prescient. Origami Yoda predicts the date of a pop quiz, guesses who stole the classroom Shakespeare bust, and saves a classmate from popularity-crushing embarrassment with some well-timed advice. Dwight’s classmate Tommy wonders how Yoda can be so smart when Dwight himself is so clueless. With contributions from his puzzled classmates, he assembles the case file that forms this novel.

 F&P Level: T F&P Genre: RF

Read More Show Less
  • The Strange Case of Origami Yoda
    The Strange Case of Origami Yoda  

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly
“Is Origami Yoda real?” is the question that plagues sixth-grader Tommy and drives the plot of this snappy debut. From one perspective, Origami Yoda is a finger puppet that offers cryptic but oddly sage advice to Tommy and his classmates. From another, he is simply the “green paperwad” animated by Tommy's misfit friend, Dwight, who “wear[s] shorts with his socks pulled up above his knees” and stares into space “like a hypnotized chicken.” Compiling a series of funny, first-person accounts of Yoda's wisdom from his friends, Tommy hopes to solve this mystery to determine whether to trust Yoda's advice about asking a certain girl to dance. Angleberger peppers his chapters with spot-on boy banter, humorously crude Captain Underpants-style drawings, and wisecrack asides that comically address the social land mines of middle school. Tommy confronts the ethical dilemma of standing up for the weird kid and the angst of school dances: “My hands were shaking and my stomach was excited like the time my dad accidentally drove into a fire hydrant.” But with enigmatic counsel like “Cheetos for everyone you must buy,” Yoda keeps the mystery alive. Ages 8-12. (Apr.)
The Wall Street Journal
Mr. Angleberger's goofy entertainment is exactly calibrated to delight that cohort of boys who are old enough to notice girls but not quite brave enough yet to, you know, really talk to them.
—Meghan Cox Gurdon
Sacramento Book Review
Angleberger’s book drips with silliness and charm, detailing the rise of a new urban legend, through the lens of those confusing and awkward days gone by. The Strange Case of Origami Yoda is quick, it’s enjoyable, and it even includes instructions on how to make your own paper puppet prophet. What more could you want?
—Glenn Dallas
Richmond Parents Monthly
You don’t have to be a Star Wars fan to love this book. The Strange Case of Origami Yoda is funny and incredibly relatable. There are even instructions on making your own Origami Yoda (magic powers not included).
Catherine McTamaney
A lot of people wish they could predict the future, but for the kids at McQuarrie Middle School, there's help. Granted, the predictions come from an origami finger puppet and are mouthed by one of the weirdest kids in school, but they still seem to come true. The real question is whether Tommy should take the advice of a folded piece of paper when it comes to asking out one of the nicest girls in his class. Tom Angleberger delivers a creative, eye-catching story through Tommy's case file," with chapters told in each of the characters' voices, as Tommy tries to determine whether the origami Yoda is a fake. The voices are unique and believable, including the quirky (if curiously appealing) Dwight, the creator of the origami Yoda. Reluctant readers will be attracted to the characters' doodles on each page. A fun, light read, recommended for early middle school. Reviewer: Catherine McTamaney
Children's Literature
Dwight can be strange at times, like the day he answered "Purple" every time Tommy asked him a question. But one thing he did is very intriguing. One day, Dwight created an origami Yoda that sat on his finger. This puppet can answer questions that predict the future—or can he? The problem is that Dwight can be clueless at times, but Origami Yoda always seems to have the right answer. That is what this book is all about. Tommy needs to know if Dwight's Origami Yoda will answer a very important question about a girl. This sixth-grade scenario is a little quirky, but very intriguing. This case file investigation will give all the information so the reader can use his or her reasoning abilities to figure out the truth about this Origami Yoda. The back of the book contains directions to make your own Origami Yoda. Reviewer: Nicole Peterson Davis
Barbara Feinberg
…a delightful first novel…Part of what drives the story is the question of Origami Yoda's credibility, but the other is our growing involvement in the friendships and crushes of Tommy and his pals. The most fascinating character is the eccentric and complicated Dwight. If he gives such spot-on advice as Yoda, why can't he listen to it? If he did, he "wouldn't seem so weird all the time," Tommy notes. Seeing how Dwight grows and matures is engaging and believable.
—The New York Times
Kirkus Reviews
Sixth grader Tommy has a dilemma: He doesn't know whether to trust the advice of Origami Yoda, who dispenses wisdom from his perch on the finger of mega-nerd Dwight. Tommy compiles this case file, written by himself and other students who have benefited (or not) from Dwight/Yoda's help, in an attempt to decide. Tommy's friend Harvey, a skeptic, comments on each story, and another friend, Kellen, illustrates. Yoda counsels students on everything from American Idol outcomes to overcoming fear of softball failure to what to do when you get a little water stain on your pants in just the wrong place. Though Tommy's not forthcoming, it's pretty easy to guess what he's uncertain about, but it's never easy to guess the next twist in this kooky charmer of a Cyrano mystery tale. The arch and dry (and sometimes slapstick) humor of Angleberger's first will keep the pages turning. The stories are presented in a different typeface from Harvey's comments and Tommy's, and the whole is designed to look like a battered journal, crinkled paper and all. A skewed amalgam of Wayside Stories and Wimpy Kid that is sure to please fans of both. (Origami Yoda instructions) (Fiction. 8-12)
School Library Journal
Gr 3–6—Sixth grader Tommy and his friends face gym class jitters, embarrassing nicknames, and considerable girl anxiety. They need the wisdom of a Jedi master just to make it through the day. When Tommy's weird classmate Dwight shows up at school with an origami Yoda finger puppet and suggests that Tommy and his friends check in with the Yoda when they have difficult situations to deal with or tough decisions to make. The Yoda's advice is so good that the friends can't imagine that it is coming from oddball Dwight and Tommy decides to investigate. Tom Angleberger's novel (Amulet Books, 2010) is Tommy's casebook. He documents his own interactions with Origami Yoda and asks his friends to contribute theirs as well. This works really well in the audio format. Five actors voice Tommy, Kellen, Quavondo, Sara, and resident skeptic Harvey with varying degrees of believable immaturity. The case is never resolved, and listeners are left to decide for themselves whether Origami Yoda is merely Dwight's dummy or if somehow the finger puppet is actually using the Force.—Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, MD
Read More Show Less

Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9780810984257
  • Publisher: Abrams, Harry N., Inc.
  • Publication date: 3/1/2010
  • Series: Origami Yoda Series , #1
  • Pages: 141
  • Sales rank: 21624
  • Age range: 8 - 12 Years
  • Lexile: 760L (what's this?)
  • Product dimensions: 5.64 (w) x 8.34 (h) x 0.69 (d)

Meet the Author

Tom Angleberger
Applying for a job as a newspaper artist, Tom Angleberger was mistakenly assigned to cover local government meetings. Fifteen years and countless town council meetings later, he is still writing instead of drawing, currently as a columnist for the Roanoke Times in Roanoke, Virginia. He began work on his first book while in middle school. Tom is married to author-illustrator Cece Bell. They live in Christianburg, Virginia.
Read More Show Less

Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5
( 68 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(50)

4 Star

(8)

3 Star

(3)

2 Star

(1)

1 Star

(6)
See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 68 Customer Reviews

  • Posted Fri Oct 14 00:00:00 EDT 2011

    Great Book!!!

    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!

    15 out of 20 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted Wed Oct 12 00:00:00 EDT 2011

    more from this reviewer

    Good book for reluctant readers

    While walking through the bookstore my son spotted this book. He picked it up and started to read it immediately. Needless to say we left the bookstore with The Strange Case of Origami Yoda. My son was so entranced with this book he wanted to read it whenever he could. For some kids this is the norm. For my son, it's not. He is a reluctant reader. I'm forever on the hunt for books that I think he would like. This book was a success.
    The Strange Case of Origami Yoda is about a boy, Dwight who makes himself an Origami Yoda. Dwight brings his paper masterpiece to school and places it on his finger and starts talking in a strange voice. Well technically it's Dwight but the strange voice is Yoda's. Yoda starts to distribute advice to fellow students. When some of the advice Yoda dishes out works, more of his classmates seek out his help. This book is in the form of case files compiled by two of Dwight's classmates. Tommy thinks there is a distinct possibility that Origami Yoda can be real while Harvey believes it's all a bunch of hooey. The case files they put together are the stories and testimonies of Dwight's classmates.
    As I mentioned my son loves this book. I borrowed this book after he was finished reading so I could see for myself what was so great about this book. This book is funny. At times laugh out loud funny. Tom Angleberger definitely has a sense of humor and it shows through out this book. It also goes a bit deeper then humor. Dwight is an odd kid. He steps to the beat of his own drum. For that reason he gets picked on. Dwight gives some of the mean kids a taste of their own medicine by getting them back. Not necessarily by picking a fight but by using his head. This book encompasses themes such as being yourself, believing in magic, and peer pressure.
    I really enjoyed this book. If you know or have a reluctant reader you might want to give this book a try. It's a fun read. Also in the back Tom Angleberger includes instructions on how to make your own Origami Yoda. My son and I both tried it. I can honestly say, origami is not my thing. However I did have fun trying to make my own.

    15 out of 19 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted Fri May 14 00:00:00 EDT 2010

    more from this reviewer

    Too Funny!

    This is a very cute, entertaining story. I think Mr. Angleberger has been spying on my middle school students because he totally "gets" the middle school mentality! The book is pure fun. Students that enjoy the Diary of the Wimpy Kid will most likely love this as well since it is done in the same light-hearted style.

    15 out of 21 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted Fri Jan 20 00:00:00 EST 2012

    Awesome book!

    This is one of my favorite books ever! Tommy has a file of confrontations with Origami Yoda. He has to prove it is real. Please read. It is a good, rapid, intelligent, witty, and hard-to-put-down awesomeness. Best book ever!

    12 out of 15 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Fri Sep 21 00:00:00 EDT 2012

    MOST EPIC BOOK EVER!!!!!!

    I am a 10 yr old who LOVES star wars and this is a HILARIOUS
    BOOK!! A combanation of star wars and Diary of a wimpy kid,
    This is a great book. Plus,it gives you info on how to make
    your OWN! COOL!

    11 out of 16 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Mon Aug 13 00:00:00 EDT 2012

    I really enjoyed this book. It has suspense and humor in the rig

    I really enjoyed this book. It has suspense and humor in the right places. It is a quick read, but good none the less.

    10 out of 14 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Wed Oct 12 00:00:00 EDT 2011

    YOU HAVE TO READ THIS!!!!!!!

    IF I COULD PICK MY FAVORIE BOOKS EVER IT HAS TO BE big nate dairy of a wimpy kid and the strange case of origami yoda. if you like humor ond a funny time this book is for you. its top FUNNY AND YOU WONT EVER BE SICK READING!

    7 out of 12 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Tue Jan 22 00:00:00 EST 2013

    Anonymous

    A really funny book that you cant put down

    6 out of 10 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Tue Sep 04 00:00:00 EDT 2012

    Hiiiiii

    Omg!!!!!!!!!!
    Luv this book
    My third forth grade teacher read it to us............ in fourth grade
    I would totalky read it again even though im in 7th grade now.
    This book is for girls too ya no
    Even if u dont like starwars (meeeeeeeeeeeeee)
    Looooooooooooooove it

    6 out of 11 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Sun Oct 07 00:00:00 EDT 2012

    Fggffdc

    The book was awsome

    5 out of 10 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Tue Mar 26 00:00:00 EDT 2013

    Warning

    *WARNING* BAD WORDS

    4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Tue Jan 15 00:00:00 EST 2013

    Awsome

    Best book ever if your abstar wars fan you will get it

    3 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Wed Jan 09 00:00:00 EST 2013

    Amazing book!

    Even though im not a star wars fan the book is so awesome! The chapters are short and you can get the pictures in your head really easily. It has nothing to do with star wars except yoda. It first i thought it was gonna be all nerdy cuz thats what i think of star wars but it turns out to be an amazing book! Five stars!

    3 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Tue Nov 06 00:00:00 EST 2012

    Yoda

    Funny it was ! yoda this is from

    3 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Fri Sep 07 00:00:00 EDT 2012

    AWSOME

    This is a awsome book and who ever likes Star Wars should read it

    3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Fri Mar 29 00:00:00 EDT 2013

    Awesome

    Da. Best book ever

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Thu Jan 03 00:00:00 EST 2013

    The best book ever

    This book is GREAT!!!!!!! My whole family loves it, even my little sister who is just learning how to read loves it. I think this book should be a class book for all classes no matter what.

    2 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Wed Nov 21 00:00:00 EST 2012

    Super funny

    Origomi yoda iz totz pickle juice!!!!(awsome) Itz a TX bluebonnet award cause itz realie good.
    Iceglare

    2 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Tue Oct 09 00:00:00 EDT 2012

    My son loved this book

    My son loved this book. We have since purchased the 2 sequels. Very clever plot. Love Origami Yoda.

    2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 EDT 2012

    Asome

    It so funny a wocky wloud which

    2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 68 Customer Reviews
If you find inappropriate content, please report it to Barnes & Noble
Why is this product inappropriate?
Comments (optional)