The main character made some pretty unkind comments about his classmates and I was quickly tiring of his attitude.
But…. I continued on and soon found that the negative tone was all part of the author’s plan. Now... I’m a Yoda convert and eager to spread the word about this book.
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda chronicles the complicated life of a small group of sixth grade boys. That means the ups and downs of passing between classes, the rough and tumble ribbing of friends in the cafeteria, and the craziness of liking girls but perhaps no really liking the liking of girls. Like I said: It’s complicated.
The book format offers the perspective and voice of several middle-school aged boys and girls. It also includes doodles in the margins and narrator notes at the end of each chapter. Author Tom Angleberger moves the story along quickly and cleverly builds the plot line until the main character (from those first two pages) comes to the realization that unkind comments can hurt you, just as much as the people you’re speaking about. Of course, this is all done very smoothly and includes ... drum roll please….. a slew of Star Wars references and directions on how to fold an origami yoda. Ubercool.
My 9 year old enjoyed this story. He skimmed through the part about school dances and focused primarily on the creative problem solving of origami yoda. We followed this read with Darth Paper Strikes Back.
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda chronicles the complicated life of a small group of sixth grade boys. That means the ups and downs of passing between classes, the rough and tumble ribbing of friends in the cafeteria, and the craziness of liking girls but perhaps no really liking the liking of girls. Like I said: It’s complicated.
The book format offers the perspective and voice of several middle-school aged boys and girls. It also includes doodles in the margins and narrator notes at the end of each chapter. Author Tom Angleberger moves the story along quickly and cleverly builds the plot line until the main character (from those first two pages) comes to the realization that unkind comments can hurt you, just as much as the people you’re speaking about. Of course, this is all done very smoothly and includes ... drum roll please….. a slew of Star Wars references and directions on how to fold an origami yoda. Ubercool.
My 9 year old enjoyed this story. He skimmed through the part about school dances and focused primarily on the creative problem solving of origami yoda. We followed this read with Darth Paper Strikes Back.
As a mommy of a growing boy, I sometimes use books as a gateway to conversations I want to have with my son. He's not always willing to sit through a lecture from his mother about his behavior or choices, but he's almost always willing to talk about "Dwight's issues" and "Tommy's reaction" from the story. I give this book two thumbs up and would recommend it (bundled with a pack of origami paper and a Star Wars DVD) as the ultra cool birthday gift for the 5th-8th grader you love.