The Indian in the Cupboard
by Gloria Levine, Lynne Reid Banks
Novel Units, Incorporated 1999
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- responsibility
- friendship
- empathy and respect for other cultures
- imagination and wonder
- consequences of choices
- identity and belonging
- courage
- ethics and use of power
About this book
When nine-year-old Omri discovers that a birthday cupboard can bring his plastic figures to life, his world shifts from ordinary to extraordinary. Suddenly responsible for a living Iroquois man from the past, Omri must navigate wonder, danger, and difficult choices about care and respect. The story blends everyday school-and-home life with quiet, believable magic, inviting readers to think about empathy and consequences. A great pick for middle-grade readers who enjoy what-if adventures and character-centered fantasy.
Setting: contemporary London, late 20th century, largely in Omri’s home and school
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Indian in the Cupboard right for my child?
Yes — The Indian in the Cupboard is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, which is typical for 4th 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 responsibility, friendship, empathy and respect for other cultures.
How long does it take to read The Indian in the Cupboard?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, The Indian in the Cupboard takes around 4.2h to finish. The book has 38,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Indian in the Cupboard have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Indian in the Cupboard 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 The Indian in the Cupboard?
The Indian in the Cupboard has an AR reading level of 4.6, which places it at a 4th 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.