Tag Archives | Tom Angleberger

Countdown of my favorite books – part 9.

By on December 29, 2011 in book reviews

Two days left of my countdown. Hope you’ve found some books! If nothing else, you’ve gotten a good idea of the kinds of books I love to read. And this time, I’m here with two more middle grade.

THE STRANGE CASE OF ORIGAMI YODA by Tom Angleberger

Hilarious. Creative. Unique. Moving. I loved this book! Everything from the title to the characters to the events. What a terrific middle grade. Can’t wait to read the sequel, DARTH PAPER STRIKES BACK.

A SCHOOL FOR VILLAINS by Ardyth DeBruyn

I’ve read and critiqued this story. This book has not gotten the attention it deserves. When middle grade makes the bigger leap to ebooks, this one will be popular. Funny. Fantastical. Great characters. Terrific writing. I can’t wait to read it again! And have my boys read it on my Kindle!

What books have you read that you feel missed the spotlight but deserved it?

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Spotlight on Funny: The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

By on October 6, 2010 in book reviews

Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger

Um, yeah, I got sucked in by the first paragraph. Read the whole book. Laughed out loud. Loved it. This wasn’t just a “funny” book. This was a story with heart and humor.

Premise from inside cover: 

Sixth grader Tommy and his friends describe their interactions with a paper finger puppet of Yoda, worn by their weird classmate Dwight, as they try to figure out whether or not the puppet can really predict the future.

Opening lines introduced the heart of the conflict and what was at stake. I immediately knew I would read the whole book.

Each chapter is a different case file narrated by Tommy’s classmates. And Tommy and his “unbeliever” friend, Harvey, add in their comments at the end of each chapter. Each case file is surprising, original, and moving.

And, of course, Tommy has to figure out if origami yoda is real before he makes a decision concerning a certain girl.

What great writing concepts can I steal from this book?

  • It wasn’t funny for the sake of being funny.
  • Each case was unique, specific, funny – but believable.
  • An original and humorous premise.
  • The author knew the target audience.
  • Perfect mix of great telling and showing.
  • A cast of fully developed characters.
  • Mystery introduced early on.
  • Satisfying ending with heart.

Humor take away: funny premise and suprising the reader on every page.

What stories do you remember that had a funny premise? Or a book that kept surprising you page after page?

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