The Return of the Indian
HarperColl 2003
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 of power
- courage
- respect for culture
- imagination
- history and time
About this book
Omri can’t stop thinking about Little Bear, the Iroquois warrior who once came to life from his magic cupboard. When he finds a way to see his tiny friend again, new dangers and responsibilities follow—stretching from Omri’s modern world into the past. The stakes are higher, the magic is trickier, and every choice has consequences. Fans of the first book will love the blend of adventure, history, and heart.
Setting: modern-day England and 18th-century North America during the French and Indian War
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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 5.3, 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, consequences of power.
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 3.5h to finish. The book has 35,000 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 5.3, 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.