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Origami Yoda #1
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda
Strange things are happening at McQuarrie Middle School in the opener to the New York Times bestselling series from Tom Angleberger! It takes the wisdom of Yoda to survive the sixth grade.Meet Dwight, a sixth-grade oddball. Dwight does a lot of weird things, like wearing the same T-shirt for a month or telling people to call him "Captain Dwight." But Dwight does one cool thing. He makes origami. One day he makes an origami finger puppet of Yoda. And that's when things get mysterious. Origami Yoda can predict the future and suggest the best way to deal with a tricky situation. His advice actually works, and soon most of the sixth grade is lining up with questions. Dwight's friend Tommy wants to know how Origami Yoda can be so smart when Dwight is so clueless. Is Yoda tapping into the Force? This is Tommy's case file of his investigation into "The Strange Case of Origami Yoda." Includes instructions for folding your own Origami Yoda.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2010
About the author
Tom Angleberger
84 books795 followersTom Angleberger artist-turned-writer. He is a columnist for the Roanoke Times in Roanoke, Virginia, and began work on his first book while in middle school. Tom is married to author-illustrator Cece Bell. He lives in Christianburg, Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,336 reviews
June 29, 2026
He held up his right hand, and there was his paper Yoda finger puppet on his finger. "Ask Origami Yoda."Much to Tommy's annoyance (and second-hand embarrassment), the whole Yoda-advice-phenomenon began because one of his classmates (Dwight) made his own version of an Origami Yoda and proceeded to do a Yoda impression for days.
At first Tommy is bemused (in a somewhat painful way) over the whole situation...but then he starts noticing things. Origami Yoda's advice was cryptic, strange, and also...good?
"Believe it or not, walking around with a paper puppet on his finger all day is not the weirdest thing Dwight does. Not by far."
Tommy's friends are split - some believe Dwight is just making things up, but others don't believe Dwight could come up with the things that Origami Yoda says.
So Tommy begins to document, interview, and study this social phenomenon - and soon realizes that there might be more to this Origami Yoda thing that meets the eye.
This one ended up being a lot of fun!
"I don't know how Dwight - or Origami Yoda - could have known it would work out like that, but it did and it was awesome."
I really enjoyed the cast of characters - the author really committed to the interviewing bit and that made the story so much fun for me.
I liked seeing Tommy's conversations, his analysis, and the input of his friends as they all puzzle out whether Origami Yoda was real or not.
The cast of characters (in general) was great - the author also did a fabulous job of capturing the feel of a friend group in middle school - the social dynamics of that time is volatile (to say the least) and I had fun following them around.
As for the mystery of Origami Yoda, I would tell you my theory but...I don't want to spoil it. This was such an enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to finishing the series!!
Recommended by -- Ivonne -- thank you so much!!
June 16, 2010
Let us now sit back and consider what the ultimate boy/girl middle grade novel would contain. By which I mean, the novel that perfectly balances out the stereotypical vision of what boys like in a book versus what stereotypical girls like in a book. You see these stereotypes referred to all the time. "Oh, boys won't read anything with a pink cover." "Oh, girls won't pick up a book unless there's some romance in it." Phooey. Boys read Babymouse all the time and girls dig Diary of a Wimpy Kid. If the book is strong, the premise believable, and the characters well developed then you're gonna have fans of all sorts, regardless of gender. That's sort of how I approach The Strange Case of Origami Yoda. It's been a while since I found a book that can truly be called genderless (in that it has wide appeal across the board). Sure, you might have a few folks avoid it because there appears to be a Star Wars reference on the cover, but c'mon. It's a finger puppet of Yoda. That's funny stuff. You can't help but appreciate it, regardless of whether or not you're a fan of guys holding light sabers in outer space. Basically, funny books are the most requested books in the children's rooms of libraries and the most difficult kinds of books to recommend. With Origami Yoda I don't think I'll have a lot of trouble getting this into the hands of kids. The premise sells itself.
Tommy comes right out with his dilemma on page one. "The big question: Is Origami Yoda real? . . . It's REALLY important for me to figure out if he's real. Because I've got to decide whether to take his advice or not, and if I make the wrong choice, I'm doomed!" It's strange to think that Tommy would be this torn up over an origami finger puppet belonging to the school's biggest dork. But then he starts recounting for us the wonders of Origami Yoda's advice. It may not always be spot on, but it's certainly heads and tales more intelligent than Dwight, the boy who created the puppet and who voices him (poorly). Example: How do you get out of a potentially embarrassing situation when you're in the bathroom and you spill water on your pants so that it looks like you peed yourself? Origami Yoda says: "All of pants, you must wet." See? Strangely good advice. Of course, then Tommy starts asking Origami about Sara, the girl he likes, and the answer he receives leaves him conflicted. Believe the talking folded paper or consider it a hoax and play it safe? The book is filled with little drawings and sidenotes as different classmates weigh in on the Origami Yoda conundrum.
It's not as if author Tom Angleberger hasn't written children's books before. You just have to know how to find them. The first book of his that came to my attention was the great if too little lauded The Qwikpick Adventure Society (one of the rare books where you'll find happy kids living in a trailer park, and where one us a Jehovah's Witness). Alongside his other book Stonewall Hinkleman and the Battle of Bull Run, Tom was writing under his pseudonym "Sam Riddleburger". A cute name, sure, but it's lovely to see him finally embrace his true name with this, his best book to date.
Why is it his best? Well, there's how he tackles the character arc of Dwight, for one thing. Lots of books feature uncool kids, but very few are adept at pinpointing exactly why those kids are considered uncool. If you're reading the book from that kid's point of view then you will undoubtedly see how they're just an average person dealing with the cruel dealings of their fellow classmates. Then, once in a great while, you'll read a middle grade novel that separates the freaks from the geeks. A geek is someone who is usually punished for their extraordinary intelligence and lack of social skills. A freak is freaky. Fregley in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books is freaky. And Dwight in The Strange Case of Origami Yoda is also freaky. Think about what it would be like to go to middle school with Andy Kaufman and you've a vague approximation of Dwight's frame of mind. Even Dwight's name is a clue. In this day and age, characters with the name Dwight (think of the American version of the show The Office) are set apart from the pack. The difference is that in Origami Yoda, Angleberger invites you to ridicule and dislike Dwight as much as the other kids do, right at the start. Then he begins the slow, meticulous process of not only humanizing him, but also making it clear that just because you write someone off for being strange, that doesn't mean that other folks are going to do the same thing. It's a book that discusses tolerance of others in terms that kids are actually going to understand and be interested in. And that, to my mind, is what gives the book that little added lift it needs to set it apart from the pack.
Speaking of details, for such a seemingly obvious novel, there were lots of little details I enjoyed in it. For example, the fact that owning and enjoying the Spider-Man 3 soundtrack is considered uncool makes for a fantastic character detail. And nobody, but nobody, zeroes in on the cheesy stuff adults make and do like Angleberger. At certain points in the story you get a glimpse of the school's posters for the PTA Fun Nights. They're a horrific combination of bad puns, even worse clip art, and cheesy wordplay. And I won't even go into Mr. Good Clean Fun and Soapy the Monkey. I'll let you discover that little joy on your own.
Star Wars is forever, so I was a little sad to see American Idol references made in the book. Interestingly, while I feel that the first three Star Wars films are now and forever, American Idol is just a flash in the pan phenomenon that will date this text far faster than anything. Maybe if this book garners the right amount of attention they can change the text in the future to whatever pop hit television show is on the telly then. And honestly, I really do think that the book is going to stick around for a while. Kids who want funny books will grab it. It makes a rather striking companion to Diary of a Wimpy Kid, particularly when you take into account the interstitial drawings. Boys will like it, girls will like it, adults will like it, even educated fleas will like it. For a fun middle grade that dares to rise a little higher than the usual crop, place your bets on The Strange Case of Origami Yoda. Or, in the words of the great warrior himself, "Enjoy book, you soon will."
For ages 9-12.
Tommy comes right out with his dilemma on page one. "The big question: Is Origami Yoda real? . . . It's REALLY important for me to figure out if he's real. Because I've got to decide whether to take his advice or not, and if I make the wrong choice, I'm doomed!" It's strange to think that Tommy would be this torn up over an origami finger puppet belonging to the school's biggest dork. But then he starts recounting for us the wonders of Origami Yoda's advice. It may not always be spot on, but it's certainly heads and tales more intelligent than Dwight, the boy who created the puppet and who voices him (poorly). Example: How do you get out of a potentially embarrassing situation when you're in the bathroom and you spill water on your pants so that it looks like you peed yourself? Origami Yoda says: "All of pants, you must wet." See? Strangely good advice. Of course, then Tommy starts asking Origami about Sara, the girl he likes, and the answer he receives leaves him conflicted. Believe the talking folded paper or consider it a hoax and play it safe? The book is filled with little drawings and sidenotes as different classmates weigh in on the Origami Yoda conundrum.
It's not as if author Tom Angleberger hasn't written children's books before. You just have to know how to find them. The first book of his that came to my attention was the great if too little lauded The Qwikpick Adventure Society (one of the rare books where you'll find happy kids living in a trailer park, and where one us a Jehovah's Witness). Alongside his other book Stonewall Hinkleman and the Battle of Bull Run, Tom was writing under his pseudonym "Sam Riddleburger". A cute name, sure, but it's lovely to see him finally embrace his true name with this, his best book to date.
Why is it his best? Well, there's how he tackles the character arc of Dwight, for one thing. Lots of books feature uncool kids, but very few are adept at pinpointing exactly why those kids are considered uncool. If you're reading the book from that kid's point of view then you will undoubtedly see how they're just an average person dealing with the cruel dealings of their fellow classmates. Then, once in a great while, you'll read a middle grade novel that separates the freaks from the geeks. A geek is someone who is usually punished for their extraordinary intelligence and lack of social skills. A freak is freaky. Fregley in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books is freaky. And Dwight in The Strange Case of Origami Yoda is also freaky. Think about what it would be like to go to middle school with Andy Kaufman and you've a vague approximation of Dwight's frame of mind. Even Dwight's name is a clue. In this day and age, characters with the name Dwight (think of the American version of the show The Office) are set apart from the pack. The difference is that in Origami Yoda, Angleberger invites you to ridicule and dislike Dwight as much as the other kids do, right at the start. Then he begins the slow, meticulous process of not only humanizing him, but also making it clear that just because you write someone off for being strange, that doesn't mean that other folks are going to do the same thing. It's a book that discusses tolerance of others in terms that kids are actually going to understand and be interested in. And that, to my mind, is what gives the book that little added lift it needs to set it apart from the pack.
Speaking of details, for such a seemingly obvious novel, there were lots of little details I enjoyed in it. For example, the fact that owning and enjoying the Spider-Man 3 soundtrack is considered uncool makes for a fantastic character detail. And nobody, but nobody, zeroes in on the cheesy stuff adults make and do like Angleberger. At certain points in the story you get a glimpse of the school's posters for the PTA Fun Nights. They're a horrific combination of bad puns, even worse clip art, and cheesy wordplay. And I won't even go into Mr. Good Clean Fun and Soapy the Monkey. I'll let you discover that little joy on your own.
Star Wars is forever, so I was a little sad to see American Idol references made in the book. Interestingly, while I feel that the first three Star Wars films are now and forever, American Idol is just a flash in the pan phenomenon that will date this text far faster than anything. Maybe if this book garners the right amount of attention they can change the text in the future to whatever pop hit television show is on the telly then. And honestly, I really do think that the book is going to stick around for a while. Kids who want funny books will grab it. It makes a rather striking companion to Diary of a Wimpy Kid, particularly when you take into account the interstitial drawings. Boys will like it, girls will like it, adults will like it, even educated fleas will like it. For a fun middle grade that dares to rise a little higher than the usual crop, place your bets on The Strange Case of Origami Yoda. Or, in the words of the great warrior himself, "Enjoy book, you soon will."
For ages 9-12.
February 1, 2010
There's always that one weird kid in school who has no idea that they're weird; all of the other kids can tell them that they're weird, but they just go on being weird, and Tom Angleberger really does a fantastic job of showing how there needs to be a weird kid in every school to shake things up and make everyone else question their own place in the food chain. This book was a breath of weird, fresh air, and I really enjoyed the multiple narratives and the way that the characters grew to understand themselves and each other through the proclamations of Origami Yoda. I'd take his advice any day.
April 29, 2015
I was not a big fan of this book.
1.) I don't like DIARY OF A WIMPY KID format. The drawings in this book are extremely ugly and not pleasant to look at.
2.) The plot was rather lame, I thought. The kids 6th grade concerns (Can I muster up the courage to ask this girl to dance? How can I stop this dweeb from sitting at my lunch table) I found to be petty and annoying.
But I DID like the Star Wars references and the Yoda talking.
NOTE: THESE BOOKS IMPROVE. I kept reading the series and it got a lot better. Stay tuned for more details.
1.) I don't like DIARY OF A WIMPY KID format. The drawings in this book are extremely ugly and not pleasant to look at.
2.) The plot was rather lame, I thought. The kids 6th grade concerns (Can I muster up the courage to ask this girl to dance? How can I stop this dweeb from sitting at my lunch table) I found to be petty and annoying.
But I DID like the Star Wars references and the Yoda talking.
NOTE: THESE BOOKS IMPROVE. I kept reading the series and it got a lot better. Stay tuned for more details.
October 24, 2015
In a time not too long ago and in a galaxy located somewhere in the American Southeast,* there was a boy named Dwight, an incredibly unpopular boy adrift in a benighted middle school (as if there is any other kind). Like so many unpopular kids in middle school/junior high, Dwight doesn’t get the social cues that other students inherently absorb and/or simply marches to his own drummer. And in the sixth grade, what crime is greater than being different — or really smart or passionate or artistic or kind-hearted or shy? The idiosyncrasies that will make for a creative and remarkable adult simply appear as unforgiveable faux pas amongst 12-year-olds.
But one day, Dwight introduces Origami Yoda, who acts as oracle amongst McQuarrie Middle School sixth- and seventh-graders. Dwight’s friend — and I use the word loosely — Tommy is stumped about Dwight’s finger puppet and constant companion. How can Origami Yoda be so prescient if Dwight himself is the class’s most clueless member? The book begins with Tommy writing:
So Tommy compiles a collection of case studies to verify whether Origami Yoda is the real deal. These tales are humorous and at times — as Futurama would put it — touchingly pathetic. And the book features a cross-section of middle-school sub-cliques: sci-fi geeks, popular kids, jocks, clueless bullies, mean girls, the know-it-all snarky, and quiet, shy kids. And with each tale, we get a closer glimpse at Dwight, who, at first glance, appeared to be the most dimwitted and socially inept sixth-grader ever.
Aimed at 9- to 12-year-olds, Origami Yoda would thrill the heart of any adult who still remembers longings, confusion, stinging embarrassments, sorrows, and too-brief joys of middle school. I enjoyed the audiobook edition (barely over two hours of pure pleasure) which features an entire cast of narrators who make the book unforgettable. But those who read the Kindle or paperback editions will get the benefit of author Tom Angleberger’s delightful illustrations. A hard choice, indeed!
You can read to discover Tommy’s final scientific conclusion about Origami Yoda; however, as far as I’m concerned, Origami Yoda is REAL. And Dwight is a real treasure. I can hardly wait to start the sequel, Darth Paper Strikes Back.
* The grocery chain Food Lion, located in 11 states in the Southeast, is mentioned in Origami Yoda.
But one day, Dwight introduces Origami Yoda, who acts as oracle amongst McQuarrie Middle School sixth- and seventh-graders. Dwight’s friend — and I use the word loosely — Tommy is stumped about Dwight’s finger puppet and constant companion. How can Origami Yoda be so prescient if Dwight himself is the class’s most clueless member? The book begins with Tommy writing:
The big question: Is Origami Yoda real?
Well, of course, he’s real. He’s a real finger puppet made out of a real piece of paper.
But I mean: Is he REAL? Does he really know things? Can he see the future? Does he use the force?
Or is he just a hoax that’s fooled a whole bunch of us at McQuarrie Middle School?
So Tommy compiles a collection of case studies to verify whether Origami Yoda is the real deal. These tales are humorous and at times — as Futurama would put it — touchingly pathetic. And the book features a cross-section of middle-school sub-cliques: sci-fi geeks, popular kids, jocks, clueless bullies, mean girls, the know-it-all snarky, and quiet, shy kids. And with each tale, we get a closer glimpse at Dwight, who, at first glance, appeared to be the most dimwitted and socially inept sixth-grader ever.
Aimed at 9- to 12-year-olds, Origami Yoda would thrill the heart of any adult who still remembers longings, confusion, stinging embarrassments, sorrows, and too-brief joys of middle school. I enjoyed the audiobook edition (barely over two hours of pure pleasure) which features an entire cast of narrators who make the book unforgettable. But those who read the Kindle or paperback editions will get the benefit of author Tom Angleberger’s delightful illustrations. A hard choice, indeed!
You can read to discover Tommy’s final scientific conclusion about Origami Yoda; however, as far as I’m concerned, Origami Yoda is REAL. And Dwight is a real treasure. I can hardly wait to start the sequel, Darth Paper Strikes Back.
* The grocery chain Food Lion, located in 11 states in the Southeast, is mentioned in Origami Yoda.
March 9, 2011
REVIEW
“This 5 star review you must write.” That would be the advice my own Origami Yoda gave to me. Since I believe in Origami Yoda, I am going to follow that advice.
In this imaginative middle grade book, sixth-grader Tommy presents his investigation into whether or not Origami Yoda is real. The book is written in a tween-friendly style with plenty of pencil drawings and funny blurbs in the margins. There are fun chapter titles and comments from Tommy’s classmates. My eight-year-old brother has pretty much hi-jacked my copy and claimed it as his own.
Oh yes, and then there is Dwight. He is the creator of Origami Yoda who passes Yoda’s advice on to the other kids. Dwight is the weird kid. Every class has one. He’s the kid who acts really strange and doesn’t care one bit what anyone else has to say about it. That’s Dwight and I totally LOVED him for it!
If you are in the mood for a short and incredibly funny book, then give The Strange Case of Origami Yoda a spin. And when you finish reading, get some paper and start folding! There are instructions for folding your own Origami Yoda at the end of the story.
RATING
5 Plot
5 Characters
5 Attention Grabbing
3 Girlie Meter
4 Ending
22 TOTAL
5 STARS
“This 5 star review you must write.” That would be the advice my own Origami Yoda gave to me. Since I believe in Origami Yoda, I am going to follow that advice.
In this imaginative middle grade book, sixth-grader Tommy presents his investigation into whether or not Origami Yoda is real. The book is written in a tween-friendly style with plenty of pencil drawings and funny blurbs in the margins. There are fun chapter titles and comments from Tommy’s classmates. My eight-year-old brother has pretty much hi-jacked my copy and claimed it as his own.
Oh yes, and then there is Dwight. He is the creator of Origami Yoda who passes Yoda’s advice on to the other kids. Dwight is the weird kid. Every class has one. He’s the kid who acts really strange and doesn’t care one bit what anyone else has to say about it. That’s Dwight and I totally LOVED him for it!
If you are in the mood for a short and incredibly funny book, then give The Strange Case of Origami Yoda a spin. And when you finish reading, get some paper and start folding! There are instructions for folding your own Origami Yoda at the end of the story.
RATING
5 Plot
5 Characters
5 Attention Grabbing
3 Girlie Meter
4 Ending
22 TOTAL
5 STARS
April 16, 2012
Originally read 3/23/2012
Reread (second time listening) 4/13/2012
I loved it. This book is quickly becoming a favorite in my fourth grade classroom. I loved how each chapter was told from the point of a different character with comments from the main narrarator at the end of each chapter. I can't wait to read the sequel. May the force be with you.
Reread (second time listening) 4/13/2012
I loved it. This book is quickly becoming a favorite in my fourth grade classroom. I loved how each chapter was told from the point of a different character with comments from the main narrarator at the end of each chapter. I can't wait to read the sequel. May the force be with you.
May 15, 2010
The first thing I did when I saw this book with Yoda and a light saber on the cover was flip to the front to make sure George Lucas was getting his cut. He is.
Next I read the book, which has plenty of Star Wars references mixed in with 6th grade boys, some sports, awkward school dances, a bully, a jerk, a couple girls, and one strange boy who seems to be advising them all through the mysterious abilities of a home made finger puppet. By all appearances, it had the making of a perfect boy book. Something that the reluctant reader might pick up and enjoy when the only other books you can get them to read are Garfield comics compilations, Diary of a Wimpy Kids and Harry Potters.
The text is presented in handwriting style, so the book actually appears to be a home made casebook. There are even doodles and snarky comments scribbled in the margins from time to time.
But, would a real 6th grade boy read it?
Initially, no.
Despite Yoda and a light saber on the cover, my 6th grade boy showed no interest in reading the book. My 2nd grader, on the other hand, picked it up and wouldn't put it down for 30 minutes. Which is, I believe, a reading record for him.
Finally I begged, "Please help me understand what kinds of books boys like to read. Just read 30 pages and tell me what's wrong with it."
So he read 30 pages. The next morning I asked if I could return the book to the library.
"No. I think I want to show it to someone at school." He said.
He came home from school with a big smile on his face and 8 Yoda finger puppets, made using directions in the back of the book. He liked it. He loved it! "Is there a sequel." he asked.
The one issue I thought would make him shun this book, the fact that the premise of the book centers around whether or not the main character should ask the girl he likes to dance at the next school dance, apparently was not a problem.
I was certain 6th grade boys were NOT interested in girls yet and would never be interested in asking one to dance.
I guess I was wrong.
Next I read the book, which has plenty of Star Wars references mixed in with 6th grade boys, some sports, awkward school dances, a bully, a jerk, a couple girls, and one strange boy who seems to be advising them all through the mysterious abilities of a home made finger puppet. By all appearances, it had the making of a perfect boy book. Something that the reluctant reader might pick up and enjoy when the only other books you can get them to read are Garfield comics compilations, Diary of a Wimpy Kids and Harry Potters.
The text is presented in handwriting style, so the book actually appears to be a home made casebook. There are even doodles and snarky comments scribbled in the margins from time to time.
But, would a real 6th grade boy read it?
Initially, no.
Despite Yoda and a light saber on the cover, my 6th grade boy showed no interest in reading the book. My 2nd grader, on the other hand, picked it up and wouldn't put it down for 30 minutes. Which is, I believe, a reading record for him.
Finally I begged, "Please help me understand what kinds of books boys like to read. Just read 30 pages and tell me what's wrong with it."
So he read 30 pages. The next morning I asked if I could return the book to the library.
"No. I think I want to show it to someone at school." He said.
He came home from school with a big smile on his face and 8 Yoda finger puppets, made using directions in the back of the book. He liked it. He loved it! "Is there a sequel." he asked.
The one issue I thought would make him shun this book, the fact that the premise of the book centers around whether or not the main character should ask the girl he likes to dance at the next school dance, apparently was not a problem.
I was certain 6th grade boys were NOT interested in girls yet and would never be interested in asking one to dance.
I guess I was wrong.
September 29, 2019
The Good:When I was in school, I was usually known as the weird kid, thanks to my psychological condition and different sort of upbringing, so, I can identify with some of the characters in this book. It definitely has fun with Lucas' space opera, and some crazy moments are found within. Fans of kiddie books will definitely find plenty to love.
The Bad: I wasn't a big fan of the formatting; some pages had black text on a medium gray background, which was hard to read. The comments at the end of each "report" were cute at first, but got annoying after a while. The illustrations were okay, but, this book could have been even better if it had just been done in a traditional style.
Content Concerns:
• Sex: Kissing. 4/5
• Nudity: None. 5/5
• Language: Name-calling and euphemisms such as "bull-oney". 4/5
• Violence: Mild pratfalls, at worst. 4/5
• Drugs: None. 5/5
• Frightening/Intense Scenes: None. 5/5
• Other: It is mentioned that sixth graders go to a "R" film. 4/5
Conclusion: Now that Disney owns Lucasfilm, don't be surprised if this turns up as an Original Movie on the Mouse network. Though not bad, it still could have been better.
Score: 3/5
The Bad: I wasn't a big fan of the formatting; some pages had black text on a medium gray background, which was hard to read. The comments at the end of each "report" were cute at first, but got annoying after a while. The illustrations were okay, but, this book could have been even better if it had just been done in a traditional style.
Content Concerns:
• Sex: Kissing. 4/5
• Nudity: None. 5/5
• Language: Name-calling and euphemisms such as "bull-oney". 4/5
• Violence: Mild pratfalls, at worst. 4/5
• Drugs: None. 5/5
• Frightening/Intense Scenes: None. 5/5
• Other: It is mentioned that sixth graders go to a "R" film. 4/5
Conclusion: Now that Disney owns Lucasfilm, don't be surprised if this turns up as an Original Movie on the Mouse network. Though not bad, it still could have been better.
Score: 3/5
December 9, 2022
Honestly shocked by how much of this I remembered from reading it as a kid.
December 10, 2014
This story was a good book by Tom Angleberger. It is about an odd sixth grade boy, Dwight, he makes a yoda like the one from Star Wars out of paper. He convinces his friends that the Origami yoda he made can predict the future, or peoples thoughts. In reality, Dwight speaks for origami yoda and makes obvious predictions. When a friend mentions that his origami was just a worthless piece of paper he gets angry and rips it up. The friend gets upset with the fact that he made Dwight rip up his yoda and so he makes his own origami yoda out of paper. However, he makes Dwight jealous because now he has his own yoda that's better. Dwight then sees that his friends yoda can't make accurate predictions like his. That leads up to a big fight between both of them. In my opinion I like Dwight's origami yoda more than his friends.
December 28, 2015
The only books I've read from the 'juvenile' section of the library of late has been the Wimpy Kid series. It makes me laugh and entertains me just as much as any 'adult' book (just as I often like books that are labeled YA--labels can be so misleading.) When a woman in one of my book clubs, whom I admire (and it bears noting that she is a teacher and probably has a grasp on children's books) named this as one of her favorites of 2015, I knew I had to check it out. I got a copy from the library (there must have been 10 separate copies on the shelf which indicated to me that this was, indeed, popular) and just finished reading it.
I loved it. It is so much more than cute, funny and charming. It's all those things but I think it is also profound in a very simple, fundamental way. If I had a child, I would want them to read this and talk about it. It isn't the least bit preachy but it allows the reader to think deeper about human behavior without being stuffy. It has a nice balance of nice and naughtiness....just like most of us kids are. I think anyone from 9-99 would enjoy this and I might even buy some copies to give out to my friends as gifts! Btw, thank you, Ivonne, for pointing me towards a wonderful read!!!!!
I loved it. It is so much more than cute, funny and charming. It's all those things but I think it is also profound in a very simple, fundamental way. If I had a child, I would want them to read this and talk about it. It isn't the least bit preachy but it allows the reader to think deeper about human behavior without being stuffy. It has a nice balance of nice and naughtiness....just like most of us kids are. I think anyone from 9-99 would enjoy this and I might even buy some copies to give out to my friends as gifts! Btw, thank you, Ivonne, for pointing me towards a wonderful read!!!!!
October 28, 2010
A friend recommended this book to me and this ended up being one of my favorite books. Origami Yoda is about a sixth grade class. There is a really strange boy named Dwight who has an Origami Yoda, and he wears it on his finger. In this book Origami Yoda spreads his wisdom to everyone who wants his help. But the big question is: is Origami Yoda real or is it just Dwight trying to play a prank. Tommy and his friends Kellen, and Harvey need to find out. If they don’t something very bad could happen to Tommy ( read it and you’ll find out ). I think that Tom Angleberger did a fabulous job and has a great imagination. I would give this book five stars because it had a good plot, and was very funny. If you like funny books, this is a good book for you. This is my favorite book that I have read this quarter. Don’t be a holdout and join the good side of the Force!
January 4, 2011
...The Strange Case of Origami Yoda 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 on audio - a cast of five actors impersonate Tommy, Kellen, Quavondo, Sara, and resident skeptic Harvey with varying degrees of believable immaturity. Hearing the way each actor interprets each kid's Yoda imitation is particularly entertaining. The four boys I ferried to and from a field trip on Tuesday hung on every word, bemoaning Harvey's snide comments and trying to guess the impact of Yoda's cryptic utterings.
Full review (audio version) on Pink Me: http://pinkme.typepad.com/pink-me/201...
Full review (audio version) on Pink Me: http://pinkme.typepad.com/pink-me/201...
October 17, 2010
Like this book, I do.
June 29, 2026
★ 3.64 stars ★
what a lovely blast from the blast. this series created my middle school obsession with origami and i will be forever grateful for it.
although i now read it through a different, adult lens, this series still holds up as a charming and funny dip into the simple, carefree life of a middle-schooler.
while i would recommend the physical book for the drawings (i remember them being quite entertaining), the audiobook was also pretty great with a cast of narrators making it feel very much like an found-file style of a book rather than a traditional novel.
all in all, a cute little book that can easily be read in one sitting
what a lovely blast from the blast. this series created my middle school obsession with origami and i will be forever grateful for it.
although i now read it through a different, adult lens, this series still holds up as a charming and funny dip into the simple, carefree life of a middle-schooler.
while i would recommend the physical book for the drawings (i remember them being quite entertaining), the audiobook was also pretty great with a cast of narrators making it feel very much like an found-file style of a book rather than a traditional novel.
all in all, a cute little book that can easily be read in one sitting
October 5, 2025
listened to this for my children's literature class and it was actually so cute and fun wtf 😭
October 7, 2011
This is a wonderful little book! I don't know how else to describe it without giving anything away. But let me say this: it's for tweens (and up), boys would love it, and it's cleverly designed to look like a much-crumpled, doodled in, notebook. It's got all the best things about a "friendship drama" book, coupled with a fun little mystery.
Also, there are instructions at the end for folding your own Origami Yoda!
But can Origami Yoda tell the future?
Read the book you must!
Also, there are instructions at the end for folding your own Origami Yoda!
But can Origami Yoda tell the future?
Read the book you must!
January 30, 2024
Está genial que al final del libro vienen instrucciones para hacer tu propio Yoda de origami
Es un libro muy fácil de leer y aunque la historia puede parecer algo infantil en realidad me pareció entretenida y original
Es un libro muy fácil de leer y aunque la historia puede parecer algo infantil en realidad me pareció entretenida y original
January 31, 2022
Dwight is generally agreed to be the biggest weirdo in his school's sixth grade. He says and does random weird stuff and is generally embarrassing for folks like Tommy, who sits with him at lunch, to be around. However, he recently made his own Origami Yoda (based on a design he invented himself), and although it's weird that he keeps telling people to ask Origami Yoda for advice, the advice is often surprisingly helpful.
Tommy has assembled these case files in an effort to figure out the answer to the question: Is Origami Yoda real, or isn't he? Each entry is an example of a time Origami Yoda gave someone advice and how it turned out, with commentary from Harvey (who doesn't believe Origami Yoda is real) and Tommy, along with doodles created by Tommy's friend Kellen.
Although this was technically a quick read, it was also an oddly excruciating one. I felt all 141 pages and was glad when it was finally over. The fact that I read the whole thing over the course of a couple days is the only reason I'm even still considering reading the second book. Even if it doesn't work any better for me than this one did, at least it'd be over quickly.
What was so painful about it? I'm not really sure. There was nothing I could clearly identify as being bad. The format (entries written or dictated by kids Origami Yoda helped) was somewhat annoying, and Sara told Tommy (and therefore also Kellen and Harvey) a lot more in her sections than I felt was believable. Still, it wasn't terrible, and the conversational style definitely made for quick and easy reading.
The story was pretty thin, however, and the characters weren't generally interesting enough to make up for it. Dwight was the most complex of the bunch, but since we only ever got an outsider view of him, it was tough to say how much of what he was doing was purposeful and how much was just chaos that happened to work out for the better. I did like the gradual shift in the way Tommy viewed and spoke about Dwight, though.
Extras:
Black-and-white drawings in the margins and other white space (the only ones I actually kind of liked were the little doodles of Origami Yoda), as well as instructions for folding your own Origami Yoda. I'm going to guess that the instructions were meant to be done with a sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper, but it didn't specify. It'd probably also be best if kids have some familiarity with origami (beyond folding paper airplanes) prior to attempting it - the instructions, like the other drawings in the book, are meant to look as though a sixth grader created them and therefore aren't the clearest I've ever seen. That said, I'm pretty particular about how I like origami instructions to be formatted.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
Tommy has assembled these case files in an effort to figure out the answer to the question: Is Origami Yoda real, or isn't he? Each entry is an example of a time Origami Yoda gave someone advice and how it turned out, with commentary from Harvey (who doesn't believe Origami Yoda is real) and Tommy, along with doodles created by Tommy's friend Kellen.
Although this was technically a quick read, it was also an oddly excruciating one. I felt all 141 pages and was glad when it was finally over. The fact that I read the whole thing over the course of a couple days is the only reason I'm even still considering reading the second book. Even if it doesn't work any better for me than this one did, at least it'd be over quickly.
What was so painful about it? I'm not really sure. There was nothing I could clearly identify as being bad. The format (entries written or dictated by kids Origami Yoda helped) was somewhat annoying, and Sara told Tommy (and therefore also Kellen and Harvey) a lot more in her sections than I felt was believable. Still, it wasn't terrible, and the conversational style definitely made for quick and easy reading.
The story was pretty thin, however, and the characters weren't generally interesting enough to make up for it. Dwight was the most complex of the bunch, but since we only ever got an outsider view of him, it was tough to say how much of what he was doing was purposeful and how much was just chaos that happened to work out for the better. I did like the gradual shift in the way Tommy viewed and spoke about Dwight, though.
Extras:
Black-and-white drawings in the margins and other white space (the only ones I actually kind of liked were the little doodles of Origami Yoda), as well as instructions for folding your own Origami Yoda. I'm going to guess that the instructions were meant to be done with a sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper, but it didn't specify. It'd probably also be best if kids have some familiarity with origami (beyond folding paper airplanes) prior to attempting it - the instructions, like the other drawings in the book, are meant to look as though a sixth grader created them and therefore aren't the clearest I've ever seen. That said, I'm pretty particular about how I like origami instructions to be formatted.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
January 5, 2018
A strange case of a book with a powerful paper Yoda and very existential questions of young teenagers.
I'm probably not at all the target for this book and it felt that it was totally the case during the first chapters. I found the story lame, even if the format was interesting with the testimonies, the comments and the drawings. But after some time, the book grew on me and I was curious to see which questions the kids would ask, which answers Origami Yoda would give and how everything would fit in the basic school life. In the end, I enjoyed the read and the Star Wars references, so I'll probably have a look at the sequel.
I'm probably not at all the target for this book and it felt that it was totally the case during the first chapters. I found the story lame, even if the format was interesting with the testimonies, the comments and the drawings. But after some time, the book grew on me and I was curious to see which questions the kids would ask, which answers Origami Yoda would give and how everything would fit in the basic school life. In the end, I enjoyed the read and the Star Wars references, so I'll probably have a look at the sequel.
January 25, 2011
Will there be a pop quiz in science class? What should I do about this stain on my pants? Does that girl like me? These are just a few questions that Sara, Kellen, Tommy, and the rest of sixth grade ask the all-knowing paper wad that is Origami Yoda. However, there are unbelievers among them. Harvey in particular is out to prove that Dwight's paper creation isn't magic, but "magically pathetic."
This was an OK read, especially for fans of the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" and "Dork Diaries" series. But I found the beginning to be a little slow for a kid's book, especially one that is only 140 pages, and most of that doodles. The characters take turns narrating chapters, which are designed (and fail) to read like case files, describing all the amazing "predictions" Origami Yoda makes at the hands of Dwight, a social outcast turned popular oddball. To his credit, the author does a good job capturing the sixth grade mindset, describing the awkwardness of school dances and cafeteria politics, but ultimately falls short as he banks on Star Wars culture and its token characters to carry his story.
This was an OK read, especially for fans of the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" and "Dork Diaries" series. But I found the beginning to be a little slow for a kid's book, especially one that is only 140 pages, and most of that doodles. The characters take turns narrating chapters, which are designed (and fail) to read like case files, describing all the amazing "predictions" Origami Yoda makes at the hands of Dwight, a social outcast turned popular oddball. To his credit, the author does a good job capturing the sixth grade mindset, describing the awkwardness of school dances and cafeteria politics, but ultimately falls short as he banks on Star Wars culture and its token characters to carry his story.
December 3, 2010
so far its pretty good but the only thing is that this book is not one story its choped up in these things they call cases that have to do with all dwight's freinds and how origamy yoda helps them out.thee characters are dwight,tommy,kellen,mike,sara,harvey,cassie,lance and origami yoda!this book starts out with this weird kid name dwight and a finger puppet origami yoda.dwight is that kid in scholl who you would want to keep your distance from.dwight dose face some problems with origami yoda but most of it comes for this smart elic kid named harvey who is always calling people stupid and stuff like that.but over all i think I woulld give this book two even three stars.so if you read this book I hope you enjoy it :)
January 26, 2018
You can analyze this in the wise tones of an "expert" who has a famous blog and "schmoozes" with the famous (doubt if she knows what the word means, I do, being a REAL New Yorker) and go on about its deeper meaning,its structure, etc ad nauseum, based on your less than a decade in the field.
I, being merely a humble worker in the trenches of children's librarianship for a quarter of a century, will apply the Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS) approach and sum it up for you:
I had a mom come in today looking for something funny her older son, an avid reader, would love and I handed her this knowing he will not only like it, she will doubtlessly be in soon wanting the sequel.
And that's all you need to know as well.
I, being merely a humble worker in the trenches of children's librarianship for a quarter of a century, will apply the Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS) approach and sum it up for you:
I had a mom come in today looking for something funny her older son, an avid reader, would love and I handed her this knowing he will not only like it, she will doubtlessly be in soon wanting the sequel.
And that's all you need to know as well.
September 23, 2019
I heard a lot about this book on the internet (apparently there is/was a whole hype about it). I did like the book, but I don't get the hype. :P
Probably because I read it in Dutch, and the many things that have been Dutchified (Wilhelmina and some other things), I felt the story lacked something. The characters were flat, and sometimes also annoying. I did check things out on the internet (google books has a preview) and things just seemed to flow better. Guess I will be getting these in English when I can. :)
I did like the little origami paper I had in my book (yeah for being the first one to borrow the book), and I made my own Yoda.
Probably because I read it in Dutch, and the many things that have been Dutchified (Wilhelmina and some other things), I felt the story lacked something. The characters were flat, and sometimes also annoying. I did check things out on the internet (google books has a preview) and things just seemed to flow better. Guess I will be getting these in English when I can. :)
I did like the little origami paper I had in my book (yeah for being the first one to borrow the book), and I made my own Yoda.
December 19, 2011
I listened to audio for this book and it was an excellent audio--really pulled me through the story with multiple voices and the right sense of what next? I liked the chief narrator's character and the question he posed: Is Origami Yoda real? It is a thought-provoking book using the comedy of middle school voice. However, while there is a mystery of sorts, it is not nearly as strange as it is marketed to be. I do not think it would appeal to boys interested in Star Wars or aliens or mysterious happenings. It is more of a slightly grittier Andrew Clements.
October 29, 2015
This is an interesting book for Middle Schoolers about cliques and acceptance. Too bad it comes across as a poor man's Diary of a Wimpy Kid! Written in journal style, with drawings and illustrations interspersed throughout, the style alone was bound to incite comparisons. That is a shame, since the actual story is pretty killer. I appreciate that authors and publishers like to go with a sure thing (I remember the deluge of teenage vampire novels a few years back), but in this case it backfired.
December 5, 2016
Какво е по-добро от едно любимо нещо? ДВЕ ЛЮБИМИ НЕЩА! Да се съчетае книга тип детски дневник а-ла Wimpy Kid с поп-културен феномен като Star Wars е печеливша комбинация! „Странният случай с Оригами Йода” на Том Енгълбъргър е създадена точно по тази формула, и вече е в родните книжарници. Прочетете ревюто на "Книжни Криле":
https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/201...
https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/201...
February 28, 2011
After having just reread this I bumped it up to 5 stars... it perfectly captures middle school life and even elementary... it hits the buttons perfectly for the characters... its just a great read and one of my favorites of the 300 plus I have read this year... plus every kid I have shown it to loves it!!!
September 2, 2012
I LOVED listening to this book. I asked the kids in my class how many had read it and only three had, so I think it will be a read-aloud (or listen-aloud) this year. It's the quintessential intermediate/middle school book. I'm also excited to share video and pictures of Tom Algleberger from when I met him at Blue Manatee in August!
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