The Return of the Indian
Doubleday Books for Young Readers 2010
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- responsibility
- consequences
- courage
- loyalty
- cultural understanding
- imagination
- identity
About this book
A year after sending Little Bear back to his own time, Omri struggles with the responsibility that comes with the magic cupboard and key. When circumstances tempt him to bring his tiny Iroquois friend to life again, Omri must face bigger consequences and tougher choices than before. Blending everyday school-and-home life with thrilling magic, this sequel explores friendship, bravery, and what it means to do the right thing. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy fast-paced adventure with heart.
Setting: contemporary England and Little Bear’s historical world
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Return of the Indian right for my child?
Yes — The 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.
How long does it take to read The Return of the Indian?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Return of the Indian takes around 3.9h to finish. The book has 39,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Return of the Indian have an AR quiz?
Yes — The 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 The Return of the Indian?
The 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.