Title: The Strange Case of Origami Yoda
Author: Tom Angleberger
Year Published: 2010
Rating: *** 1/2
Format: Read hard cover book
For: grades 3-6

Sixth-grader Tommy is trying to figure out the truth.  Eccentric Dwight, who eats lunch at Tommy’s table, swears that the wise advice his Yoda finger puppet is giving the kids of McQuarrie Middle School has everything to do with the power of force and nothing to do with Dwight himself — even if Dwight is the one doing the Yoda voice. 

Tommy’s not sure what to believe.  Tommy’s friend Harvey thinks Origami Yoda is just a wad of paper on Dwight’s finger and that Dwight is trying to pull one over on them.  But Origami Yoda seems to know things Dwight couldn’t possibly know.  Besides there’s no way Dwight has ever seemed wise in his life; he’s the weirdest kid Tommy knows.  So Tommy gets the students at McQuarrie Middle School to each tell their own story about how Origami Yoda helped them.  Now all the evidence is in one place and Tommy can decide once and for all…What’s the deal with Origami Yoda?

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda is a clever quick read that should appeal to reluctant readers. The case file format divides the book into a series of short self-contained stories that make it easy to read, with enough middle school humor and intrigue to keep a reluctant reader wanting more.