Contemporary Realism: 3-5

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

This lighthearted book is a collection of case files collected and analyzed by the main character, Tommy and his friend Harvey.  The boys, especially Tommy, are questioning whether the advice given by an origami Yoda is real when the origami was created and seemingly puppeteered by geeky friend named Dwight.  Dwight has outstanding social issues which are nonexistent when Origami Yoda is conversing.  The book is hilarious and filled with the ideas and struggles of prepubescent boys trying to figure out how they fit in.  Origami Yoda is a wonderful creation and bound to capture the attention of some reluctant readers.  (Grade 3 and up).   

O’Connor, B. (2010). The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester. New York: Frances Foster Books.

This is an adventure story about a boy who captures a frog and the extreme measures he is willing to take to keep the frog happy.  An antagonist, Viola, becomes a source of information and safety and eventually a special friendship forms over a unique experience in the pond.  O’Connor writes in a method bound to keep struggling or reluctant readers reading through repetition and her hero’s determination. (Grade 3 and up).