The Key to the Indian
1999
Book 5 of The Indian in the Cupboard
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Book 5 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- responsibility
- cultural respect
- family bonds
- courage
- loyalty
- identity
- survival and relocation
About this book
In this fifth adventure, Omri discovers that the magic of the cupboard can open more than tiny doors—it can bridge centuries. When Little Bull and his people face danger, Omri and his father must navigate the past to help, learning hard lessons about history, responsibility, and respect. The story blends humor, heart, and suspense with vivid scenes of Iroquois life. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy time-bending fantasy with real-world history and strong friendships.
Setting: modern-day England and 19th-century Iroquois homelands in New York/Canada
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Key to the Indian right for my child?
Yes — The Key to the Indian is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.3, 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, cultural respect. Note: this is book 5 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read The Key to the Indian?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Key to the Indian takes around 5.3h to finish. The book has 52,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Key to the Indian have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Key to the Indian has an AR quiz available, worth 7 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 Key to the Indian?
The Key to the Indian has an AR reading level of 5.3, 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.