Angleberger, T. (2010). The Strange Case of Origami Yoda. [New York]: Amulet.

Exposition:

A group of friends compile a notebook to “scientifically” determine if Origami Yoda has magical prediction powers.

Conflict:

Tommy wants to believe in the power of Origami Yoda, even though the guy who made it and keeps him on his finger, Dwight, is a bit of a loser. Harvey doesn’t believe a bit of it.

Rising Action:

After creating his own folded origami sculpture of Yoda, Dwight randomly begins giving advice to others in school, which frequently seems to be accurate and helpful.

Climax:

When Tommy insults Dwight, he gets mad and throws Origami Yoda away. So ever doubting Harvey decides to make his own version and gives out advice. Dwight recreates his original, and Tommy must ask Sara to dance in order to find out which Origami Yoda is right.

Falling Action:

When he looks at the notebook of evidence, Tommy is still nervous to ask Sara to dance until he notices that many of his friends are dancing too.

Resolution:

Tommy finally dances with Sara, and everyone has a great time.

Literary Qualities:

1)      Great use of a notebook or journal format that even has some illustrations to help tell the story.

2)      The use of various characters’ points of view helps gain more perspectives about the events in the story. Even the pictures give additional opinions and humor.