Return of the Indian
1988
Book 2 of The Indian in the Cupboard
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Book 2 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- responsibility
- consequences of power
- courage
- cultural respect
- empathy
- history and identity
About this book
A year after sending Little Bear back to his own time, Omri can’t resist opening the magic cupboard again. When Little Bear returns badly injured, Omri must find a way to help while facing the real consequences of bringing people from the past into his world. The story blends everyday school and family life with high-stakes adventure and history. Readers who enjoy fantasy with heart, friendship, and moral choices will be hooked.
Setting: contemporary England with scenes connected to an 18th-century Iroquois village
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Return of the Indian right for my child?
Yes — Return of the Indian is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include friendship, responsibility, consequences of power. Note: this is book 2 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read Return of the Indian?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Return of the Indian takes around 3.7h to finish. The book has 37,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Return of the Indian have an AR quiz?
Yes — Return of the Indian has an AR quiz available, worth 5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Return of the Indian?
Return of the Indian has an AR reading level of 5, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.