Darth Paper Strikes Back

Darth Paper Strikes Back by Tom Angleberger
4.5/5 stars
Amulet Books, 2011
163 pages
Middle-Grade Contemporary Humor

Source: Picked up for review from library.

After loving the hilarious antics of the kids in The Strange Case of Origami Yoda, I knew I'd be picking up this sequel. How could I resist another Star Wars tinged, epistolary middle-grade humorous novel? Only someone made of much sterner stuff could do so!

The book dives right in to the story, forcing me to remember the characters and their relationships. Honestly I had forgotten main character Tommy's name and there were a few other relationships I had to think about. Luckily I soon got back in the swing of things and sped through the book. This new book introduces a new character, Darth Paper, created by Harvey who serves as an antagonist to Dwight and his Origami Yoda, leading to Dwight being threatened with expulsion from their public school. He would get sent to a reform school with the really bad kids.

Of course Tommy and his classmates do not want that to happen. Although they still think Dwight is a weird kid, his advice in the first book and onwards has been immensely helpful to them time and time again even when they don't always understand it. This is proven over and over again. Fortunately Origami Yoda seems to know all and the ending is happily resolved.

This book also features two origami projects: an emergency 5-fold Origami Yoda as well as the titular Darth Paper. Additionally there is also the introduction of a Star Wars game within the book, giving readers multiple projects to embark upon after finishing reading.

Overall: We have a very funny novel told in alternating perspectives by the different students as they work together to prevent Dwight's fate.

Cover: Works perfectly with the previous book and signals the dark side, which seems to prevail for much of the book.

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger
Amulet Books, 2010
141 pages
Middle-Grade; Humor
4/5 stars

Source: Library

Read for Best Overlooked YA Book Battle.

This story is the investigation of Tommy, Harvey, and Kellen to see if the origami Yoda designed and voiced by Dwight is actually Yoda who can give help for the future.  In order to discover the truth, Tommy gathers stories from his classmates in grade 6 before he decides to make a big decision based on Yoda's advice.

I was super excited about this book because it references Star Wars and I'm definitely a fan.  Bonus: at the end of the book, there are instructions on how to fold your own Yoda!  I didn't give them a try but they looked simple enough to follow.  I loved the format of the book which is told in journal entries (plus illustrations by Kellen) from the various classmates to explain when Yoda gave good, bad, or cryptic advice.

I enjoyed meeting the classmates, who all had their unique voice and experience with Yoda.  Dwight was probably the most compelling character for me.  Despite being the creator of Origami Yoda, he didn't always follow his own advice, frequently ending up the butt of jokes and teased by the other students.  Regardless, he marched to his own beat and ended up okay.  Harvey is the skeptic who attempts to rain on Origami Yoda's parade but the ending is very cute and satisfying.

Overall: A very fast read looking at lives and motivations of a group of great kids; recommended for younger readers and those who like Star Wars.

Cover: I'm pretty sure Origami Yoda didn't have a light saber (although how cool would that have been?) but it signals who he is more effectively.