Author Tom Angleberger Visits Houston Academy Students Via Skype

Houston Academy students recently enjoyed a visit from Tom Angleberger. The award-winning children’s book author talked to students via Skype.

Angleberger is best known for his New York Times best selling Origami Yoda series, which features Star Wars elements. He is also the author of Horton Halfpott and Fake Mustache. His latest book, The Qwickpick Papers: Poop Fountain!, was just released May 20. This is the first book in a middle-grade series. The story centers on three bored kids who form the Qwickpick Adventure Society. They decide that their first mission is to sneak into a soon-to-close sewage treatment plant. The group wants to see the sludge fountain before it disappears.

Students went to the campus library to visit with Angleberger live via Skype.

“He recommended some of his favorite books to help students create their summer reading lists,” said Elizabeth Gilbert-Hillier, information literacy specialist at the campus. “Then the students shared some of their favorites with him.”

Gilbert-Hillier added that Angleberger his books and the students discussed his books. He also commented on how he got interested in origami and how he became an author. The first book in the series of Origami Yoda is Strange Case of Origami Yoda. The book introduces Dwight. He appears to be a clueless sixth grader who communicates with peers through the voice of his origami Yoda finger puppet. The meshing to Star Wars and origami themes resonated with readers. The series has sold millions of copies.

According to Angleberger, the Origami Yoda books grew out of his own childhood love of Star Wars and origami. He is happy that so many kids share his fondness for both.

Angleberger, an artist-turned writer, added some fun by leading the students in folding and creating their own Origami Yoda.

“I am grateful that Mr. Angleberger took the time to visit with our students,” said Gilbert-Hillier. “He is one of the most entertaining authors. The students had a blast listening and talking to him and they enjoyed making their own Origami Yoda.”