Upside-down RebekahNo one ever said surviving middle school was easy.

But in The Strange Case of Origami Yoda (Amulet Books, 2010) by Tom Angleberger, a group of students find it a little easier once the class misfit creates a paper finger puppet that looks like Yoda and dispenses strangely helpful advice. The only question is, “Is Yoda really wise, or is his successful advice just a coincidence?”

This book also has one of the most compelling covers I’ve seen in a while, although today’s guest reviewer, Rebekah, seems to be holding it upside-down. (Although she maintains the book is right-side up, and SHE is upside-down.)

Anway, here’s what she has to say.

Today’s reviewer: Rebekah

Age:11

I like: Books, music, Pokemon, books, my puppy, books, and using my imagination. (Oh, and did I mention books?)

This book was about: A boy named Tommy trying to figure out whether this origami Yoda can really give good advice when the boy who made him (Dwight) can barely function.

The best part was when:  Dwight jumped from behind a trash can at Zach Martin, a seventh grader, with origami Yoda on his finger and shouted, “I know karate!!!”

I laughed when: Dwight was sent to get a dodge ball for P.E and  didn’t come back. The teacher sent Tommy to get him, and he was in the equipment locker, beating the door and shouting, “Squirrels!! Come save me!!!”

I was worried when: Cassie accidentally broke a little statue of Shakespeare.

I was surprised when: Yoda told everybody about a pop quiz in science that the teacher had only decided to do right when class started

This book taught me: Not to rush into things.

Some words that describe this book are: “Weird.” “Yoda.” “Believe.”

My favorite line or phrase: “Oh, yes! I believe in paperwad Yoda! Woo-hoo! I believe he is an actual, genuine piece of paper stuck on the end of Dwight’s actual, genuine, finger! And, I believe Dwight is the actual, genuine, biggest nut since Mr. Peanut.”

Other kids reading this book should watch out for: Harvey’s comment at the end of every case file.

You should read this book because: It is really funny.

Thanks, Rebekah!

To learn more about the book — and how to fold your own origami Yoda – visit this website. If you need more help, watch this video tutorial narrated by the author.

And if you’d like to learn more about how this book came to be, see these two author interviews: