64 pages • 2 hours read
Lynne Reid BanksThe Indian in the Cupboard
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1980A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks follows Omri, a boy who discovers that a cupboard, along with a special key, can turn plastic toys into living beings, including an Indigenous American figurine named Little Bear. Omri navigates the challenges and responsibilities of having miniature real people in his care, assisted by his friend Patrick, leading to various adventures and moral lessons about empathy and respect. The book contains themes of cultural stereotyping regarding Indigenous Americans.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks has been praised for its imaginative premise, engaging storytelling, and the depth of its characters. However, some reviews delve into concerns about cultural representation and dated stereotypes. Overall, it remains a beloved children's classic and a thought-provoking read for young audiences.
Who Should Read The Indian in the Cupboard?
Fans of imaginative tales with heartfelt themes, such as those in The Chronicles of Narnia or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, will enjoy Lynne Reid Banks' The Indian in the Cupboard. Ideal for readers aged 8-12, it combines adventure, magic, and the deepening bonds of friendship, engaging young minds with a blend of fantasy and reality.
RecommendedReading Age
8-12yearsLexile Level
780LBook Details
Fantasy
Action / Adventure
British Literature
Identity: Race
Society: War
Relationships: Friendship
Race / Racism