Return of the Indian
by Lynne Reid Banks, Bill Geldart
1986
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 across cultures
- responsibility and consequences
- courage
- respect for history and culture
- ethics of power
- loyalty
- imagination vs. reality
About this book
In this sequel to The Indian in the Cupboard, Omri again brings his Iroquois friend Little Bear to life and is drawn into the dangers of the French and Indian War. Juggling the magic cupboard’s power with real-world responsibilities, Omri must make careful choices to protect his friends—both tiny and human-sized. Blending fantasy with vivid historical detail, the story explores consequences, courage, and friendship across cultures. Middle-grade readers love the fast pace, inventive magic, and heartfelt bond between Omri and Little Bear.
Setting: contemporary England and the New York frontier during the French and Indian War (18th century)
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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 across cultures, responsibility and consequences, courage. 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 4.3h to finish. The book has 42,000 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 6 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.