The Strange Case of Origami Yoda



Last updated Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Author: Tom Angleberger
Date of Publication: 2010
ISBN: 0810984253
Grade Level: 4th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jan. 2016

Synopsis: In this funny, uncannily wise portrait of the dynamics of a sixth-grade class and of the greatness that sometimes comes in unlikely packages, Dwight, a loser, talks to his classmates via an origami finger puppet of Yoda. If that weren’t strange enough, the puppet is uncannily wise and prescient. Origami Yoda predicts the date of a pop quiz, guesses who stole the classroom Shakespeare bust, and saves a classmate from popularity-crushing embarrassment with some well-timed advice. Dwight’s classmate Tommy wonders how Yoda can be so smart when Dwight himself is so clueless. With contributions from his puzzled classmates, Tommy assembles this first case file in the blockbuster bestselling Origami Yoda series, written by Tom Angleberger, author of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi: Beware the Power of the Dark Side, and hailed by School Library Journal as “honest, funny, and immensely entertaining.”

Note to readers:
•  The book is long and you will not finish it in the time period. Read as far as you can.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Why is Yoda the most important character in Star Wars? (he is the wise teacher)
•  Who is your favorite character in Star Wars? Why?
•  What country invented the art of origami? (Japan)

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Have you ever asked someone to dance? Why is asking someone to dance hard?
•  What is the worst thing that can happen if you ask someone to dance?
•  Why is it important to ask others for advice on what to do?
•  Who do you ask advice from?

Craft ideas:
•  Make your own Origami Yoda to seek advice from. You can follow instructions in the back of the book (page 143) or make a simple Origami Yoda using the instructions http://origamiyoda.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/SimpleYoda.jpg
•  Create your own origami Yoda or character to seek advice from.
•  Check out our January craft ideas on Pinterest! https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/january-2016-crafts/

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!