The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

by Tom Angleberger
Amulet Books, 2010

GENRE: Contemporary Realistic Fiction, Humor, Romance, Tie-In Novel

HONORS: 2011 E.B. White Read Aloud Award Winner

REVIEW:  In the sixth grade, communicating with your classmates through an origami finger puppet isn’t exactly “cool,” but that’s exactly what Dwight does with his Origami Yoda, handing out Yoda-like advice and wisdom to anyone who asks for help. When the advice and predictions turn out to be true, Tommy can’t figure out how Yoda can be so smart while Dwight is such a socially awkward dope. Tommy starts compiling a series of case files in order to decide.

OPINION: Almost 40 years after its release, Star Wars continues to be insanely popular with adults, teens and kids, so with “Yoda” in the title the book has an established appeal. I enjoyed that the book touched on a variety of different genres including humor, realistic fiction and a touch of pre-teen romance, all conveyed from the unique angle of case files.

IDEAS: The obvious tie-in to this book would be to have an origami program where tweens and teens can fold a variety of things including Origami Yoda himself. The instructions for folding yoda are included in the back of the book.

If You Believe in Mermaids… Don’t Tell by A.A. Philips

If You Believe in Mermaids... Don't Tell
by A.A. Phillips
Dog Ear Publishing, 2007

GENRE: LGBT, Contemporary Realistic Fiction

HONORS: None known

REVIEW: It’s the summer after seventh grade for 13-year-old Todd Winslow and his dad can’t wait to sign him up for sports camp so Todd can spend the summer shooting hoops or playing football. But Todd isn’t like the other boys and sports are the last things he’s interested in, unless you count diving – which his dad most certainly does not. To appease his dad, Todd goes to a nature summer camp and over the summer he and his family learn a lot about love, identity, self expression and acceptance.

OPINION: I wanted to include a book with LGBT themes without being overly graphic or sexual that could be appropriate for and appeal to tweens and this was pretty much the perfect book. The book makes no reference to Todd’s sexual preference, but only his interests (which include mermaids, princesses and fancy dresses) and his deep desire to be loved and accepted by his parents for who he is and not for who they think he should be.

IDEAS: This would be great for a lesson or display on tolerance or acceptance of others.

Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree by Lauren Tarshis

Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree
by Lauren Tarshis
Penguin, 2007

GENRE: Contemporary Realistic Fiction, School Stories

HONORS: A School Library Journal Best of the Year Book, A Publishers Weekly Best of the Year Book, A SCBWI Golden Kite Award Honor Winner, An E.B. White Award Finalist, Finalist for five state children’s choice awards

REVIEW: The quirky daughter of a mathematician, Emma-Jean Lazarus prides herself on her logic and rationale. One day, Emma-Jean finds herself in an unlikely conversation with Colleen Pomerantz who confides in her about a mean-girl who is stealing her best friend. Emma-Jean tries to use logic to solve the problems of her peers, but humans may prove to be far more complicated than she could ever expect.

OPINION: This book was unlike any I’d read, by portraying the young main character as a highly logical and rational. Since it doesn’t depict your average middle school student, I’m not sure that this book would have mainstream appeal but it definitely has a place for those who may not relate to the “average.” I found Emma-Jean to be clever and unique as a character and loved the antics she got herself into in the name of logic.

IDEAS: This book would fit will in a “Back to School” display of books that largely take place in a school setting. The book is also already being used by many schools and libraries as part of bullying programs.

Firegirl by Tony Abbott

Firegirl
by Tony Abbott
Little, Brown, 2006

GENRE: Contemporary Realistic Fiction, School Stories, Coming of Age

HONORS: 2006 Golden Kite Award Winner

REVIEW: The teacher of Tom’s seventh grade class at St. Catherine’s announces that a new student will be joining their class, but that Jessica Feeney is no ordinary girl. She was badly burned in a fire, and will attend the school while she is being treated at a local hospital. Needless to say, life will never be the same for Tom and his peers but despite the fear and uncertainty her appearance invokes in his classmates, Tom slowly develops a friendship with the new girl that will change his life forever.

OPINION: While I can’t say I entirely enjoyed this book, I appreciate the purpose it serves. It rather masterfully tackles some powerful issues like body image and the acceptance of others without prejudice in a way that is easily digestible by readers of all ages.

IDEAS: This book is meant to make readers think, so ideally it would be great to have a discussion about the issues, themes and ideas presented in the book such as body image, tolerance and acceptance, but that may be better suited for a classroom. In a library, I might include this book in a display about acceptance or tolerance, or a more general display about of tween realistic fiction.