The Indian in the Cupboard
Doubleday Books for Young Readers 2010
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
- friendship
- responsibility
- respect for history and culture
- imagination and wonder
- power and consequences
- secrets
- empathy
- identity
About this book
On his birthday, Omri discovers that a small plastic figure becomes a living person when locked in his old cupboard with a special key. Suddenly he’s responsible for Little Bear, a proud Iroquois man from the past, and must learn how to keep him safe in a world that’s much too big. Blending everyday life with a dash of magic, this classic adventure highlights empathy, responsibility, and friendship. It’s a captivating read for middle graders who enjoy imaginative what-if stories and heartfelt character moments.
Setting: modern-day London (1980s), with historical elements from the 18th-century Iroquois world and the American Old West
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 friendship, responsibility, respect for history and culture.
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 4.3h to finish. The book has 38,600 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.