Book Review: For kids who love Diary of a Wimpy Kid and parents who don't

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Appealing to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid crowd, but with more subtle revelation of plot (perhaps merely having a plot will distinguish it from Kinney's works) and a non-didactic message of acceptance. The tale is broken into very short vignettes which may particularly help reluctant readers, as might the design which is intended to look like pages right out of a kid's notebook.

ELL readers will appreciate the doodles which help provide information about the text, although they are less supportive than traditional illustrations. The casual tone may be difficult for some, and this is not a book which will appeal to most adult readers. However, for more advanced young ELLs who also want to figure out how to fit in to a new school, this book may make them feel a little better prepared.



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