Middle school wisdom, Yoda style

Angleberger, T., & Rosenstock, J. L. (2010). The strange case of Origami Yoda. New York, NY: Amulet Books. Tommy needs advice, advice about Sara. But can he rely on his middle school oracle, an origami finder puppet who communicates through its creator, Dwight, who just happens to be the strangest kid in his class? Since Tommy needs reliable advice, he approaches his dilemma in a scientific manner, collecting case studies from his peers to assess Origami Yoda's effectiveness. The anecdotal evidence comes from Tommy's circle of friends, whose motives and perspectives vary. Most of them agree that although Dwight is as strange as can be, Origami Yoda's wisdom runs deep, so is it possible that the Force runs through a paper finger puppet?

Tommy's classmate Harvey provides some derisive commentary at the end of each case study, and Harvey's perspective balances Tommy's analytical voice. But it becomes clear that Dwight's oddities hide a unique perspective that Tommy eventually learns to value.

Part of the fun of reading this charming story are the illustrations, such as the wads of unsigned ISS slips Dwight gives to Tommy to include. This is a light-hearted view of middle school problems with an unlikely hero. This is sure to please young readers from 4th to 8th grade.