Strange Case of Origami Yoda

by Tom Angleberger Narrated by Mark Turetsky, Greg Steinbruner, Charlotte Parry, Jonathan Todd Ross, Julia Gibson

Overview

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

Editorial Reviews

OCTOBER 2011 - AudioFile

Is Origami Yoda real? Who would trust the advice proffered by an origami figure perched on the finger of the class nerd? This is the big question facing Tommy and his middle school friends as Tommy documents the experiences of classmates who have sought guidance from Dwight’s Origami Yoda. The cast of multiple narrators heightens the story’s humor. The narrator who portrays Tommy has a knack for taking listeners into his confidence. Listeners find themselves in the midst of middle school, experiencing each droll situation firsthand—from school dances to the boys’ bathroom. The throaty Yoda issues his pronouncements such as “speed must you have” or “rush in fools do” with amusing combinations of pacing and tone. A.R. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine

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)

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).

OCTOBER 2011 - AudioFile

Is Origami Yoda real? Who would trust the advice proffered by an origami figure perched on the finger of the class nerd? This is the big question facing Tommy and his middle school friends as Tommy documents the experiences of classmates who have sought guidance from Dwight’s Origami Yoda. The cast of multiple narrators heightens the story’s humor. The narrator who portrays Tommy has a knack for taking listeners into his confidence. Listeners find themselves in the midst of middle school, experiencing each droll situation firsthand—from school dances to the boys’ bathroom. The throaty Yoda issues his pronouncements such as “speed must you have” or “rush in fools do” with amusing combinations of pacing and tone. A.R. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169273359
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	02/25/2011
Series:	Origami Yoda Series
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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