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

I wanted to like this book as it seemed like a fun concept, but I'm pretty conflicted about it. It's about a 4th grade reading level (according to Scholastic's Reading Counts program), but it's set in 6/7 grade. It's definitely more suitable for the older reader as it's focused on crushes and school dances - not on Star Wars at all.

My major concern is that the kids in the book are all really mean spirited. Usually, a book like this would have a bully but other kids who really stick up for each other or at least offer friendship. In this book, all of the characters are mean to each other.

Told as a series of "reports" written by 6th graders, the stories focus on how one awkward kid dispenses advice through a paper finger puppet. Parents will probably recognize Dwight as mildly autistic which I assume is intentional. The other kids mock him and treat him badly (including physical violence and name calling), and there is never an apology or a recognition that this kid may have great talents to bring to the group. It's just a constant stream of how "stupid," "weird," and "gross" he is and how even his lunch table crew wishes he'd just go away. They don't learn a lesson about acceptance; at most, they just continue to allow the little weirdo to be on the fringes of their group. I understand this is how middle school kids act, but should it be reinforced as normal in a book? Even Tommy, the"good" character, acts this way towards Dwight.

There's not much plot here - more a semester at middle school sketch. The characters are predictable and stereotypical. The style follows the mixed media and multiple font looks familiar from Jedi Academy, Wimpy Kid, or Stick Dog books but those have better stories.

Contrary to the title, this book is not about the Star Wars universe. It's about a boy in middle school who makes an origami yoda who comes to life. They have directions for the origami, which I liked.

I think a middle to high school aged child would love these. I think they'd be great for kids that age to read if they like Star Wars related things and are reluctant readers outside of school. If you have to take a long car or plane trip, they'd be a good way to pass the time. Not super hard, but not boring either.

The concepts that are introduced in the series are far too advanced for kids under 12. The narrator is a middle school kid. Most kids that age understand that a first person narrator's POV is his opinion. Younger kids aren't quite there yet and because concepts like dating and interactions with religious people are mentioned, you probably should give them a quick read to see if matches your value system.

"The Strange Case of Origami Yoda" is a wonderful book for children between the ages of 8 and 14. While there are multiple Star Wars references, the topic is really about a group of middle school aged kids and navigating this awkward stage of life. The book is quite sweet and funny and I would recommend this to interested readers.

Maybe this book would be suited for teenagers and above. In my opinion it's not suitable for an 8 year old as it stated. My daughter came up to me and told me she didn't want to finish the book. I thought it was odd because she rarely ever doesn't want to finish a book once she's started. She informed me there were constant bad words/name calling in the book, and that it was boring. I read a few pages and have to agree 100%.

I would definitely put this at lower middle grade, 8-9 year olds.

When Dwight (the weird kid) makes an origami Yoda that somehow seems to predict the future and give advice, sixth-grade Tommy wants to know if Origami Yoda is for real. So, he begins an investigation. He asks everyone who’s been “helped” by this Yoda to tell him their story, which he writes down into a collection, and then he, and his cynical pal, Harvey, comment on each story. What Tommy really wants to know is… can he believe Origami Yoda’s advice to him? Should he ask Sara to dance?

What I liked: super cute story idea. Each chapter is a different kid telling their story, and you get to know the main characters through each story. The drawings are cute and not too many, so they don’t detract. The theme of friendship and acceptance is a plus. I also loved that there were directions for how to make my own origami Yoda at the end.

What I didn’t like: the ending was incredibly rushed. There were many characters that we were introduced to through the stories, and then everything just gets resolved in like 6 pages at the end.

Still, pretty cute read.

4 out of 5 stars

My Star Wars and origami-loving 8-year-old loves this book. Great for reluctant chapter book readers, engaging story. We went ahead and bought the whole series.

My 8 year old third grade son loves this series. The books are so cleverly done.

My 8 & 6 year old boys were constantly bringing books from this series home from the school library, so I finally decided it was time to purchase them. Being a huge Star Wars fan myself, I can see why they like them so much, not only is it a fun story that kids really get engaged in, but it is full of little Star Wars jokes that fans of all ages can appreciate. It makes a great story to read aloud at bedtime, and it's one that my older son has read on his own many times. (the 6 year old says that as soon as he learns to read "all the words" he's going to read it by himself too). And, of course, they have both attempted to make their own Origami Yoda as well :-)

If you have a young Star Wars fan who loves to read - or who you want to get into reading - give this book a go. A fun, captivating, good story, told in an entertaining style.

My nine year old loves this book! He’s read through the entire series twice. He has a huge collection of origami now. Be sure to check out Tom’s YouTube videos. My son has spent countless hours learning from them.

It's a really good, funny, action book for kids, and for kids who love star wars