The Secret of the Fortune Wookie

Gr 4–6—In this humorous installment (Amulet Books, 2012) of Angleberger's popular "Origami Yoda" series, Dwight is suspended and the students of McQuarry Middle School miss their favorite oddball. Without Dwight, there's no Origami Yoda to help them with their problems, and the principal wants to ban all origami from her halls. However, Sara receives a gift from Dwight in the form of a paper cootie catcher, or fortune wookie—an origami Chewbacca that offers sage advice to the students. Meanwhile "Dwight-sightings" have the kids worried as reports come in saying that their friend has been seen acting way too normal in his new school, and the kids fear they may never see Origami Yoda again. Performed by various narrators, the ensemble cast accurately delivers snarky middle-school humor and angst. When the wookie bellows in its incomprehensible way and Han Foldo interprets with his trademark sarcasm, the narrator manages to sound convincingly like the Star Wars characters. This wonderful addition to the series will be enjoyed even by those unfamiliar with the previous titles.—Sandi Jones, Augusta High School, AR