The Secret of the Indian
Turtleback Books 2010
Book 3 of The Indian in the Cupboard
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Book 3 in a series — earlier books first
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- friendship
- responsibility
- courage
- consequences of choices
- imagination
- cultural understanding
- loyalty
About this book
Omri and his best friend Patrick are keeping a huge secret: a magic cupboard that can bring tiny plastic figures to life. When danger follows their friends from the Old West, the boys must act fast—and even consider stepping into that world themselves. With the stakes higher than ever, they balance excitement with the responsibility of keeping everyone safe and hidden from adults. Fast-paced adventure, humor, and heart make this a favorite for middle-grade readers who love what-if magic and history colliding.
Setting: contemporary England and the American Old West (19th century)
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Secret of the Indian right for my child?
Yes — The Secret of the Indian is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, 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, courage. Note: this is book 3 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read The Secret of the Indian?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Secret of the Indian takes around 4.0h to finish. The book has 40,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Secret of the Indian have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Secret of the Indian 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 Secret of the Indian?
The Secret of the Indian has an AR reading level of 5.2, 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.