The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks
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Book Reviews of The Indian in the Cupboard
Book Review: Instant classic that will engage children and adults alike
Summary: 5 Stars
Omri is an ordinary British boy who stumbles on an extraordinary secret when he accidentally brings one of his Indian (Native American, that is) action figures to life. But he quickly learns that "his" Indian is a living, breathing being who has been taken from the life that he used to live. Omri and his friend are torn between a desire to toy with the magical forces they've been given, and a sense of responsibility to those whom their awesome powers affect.
This book is remarkable in that it doesn't write down to children; the language and sentence structures are both very sophisticated compared to other books written for the same age group. It also blends perfectly the ordinary character of Omri, and the magical forces that he encounters.
Unlike many children in these kinds of stories, Omri does just what any of us might do, and the plot challenges him in imaginative, yet realistic, ways.
Children will become addicted to these characters, and rush out to read the other books in the series. And adults should appreciate the lessons that the book teaches: most importantly, about respecting those over whom you have power (not that there's even a hint of preachiness). Also, an adult who is bored with reading children's books at bedtime might find this story as compelling as their child will.
As far as the charges of racism go, I can see how the portrayal of Little Bear's broken english and tendency toward violence might be seen as offensive. But I think the stereotypes are extended to the Texan cowboy (so that it's not as if Indians are being specifically targeted), and more importantly, the book goes to great lengths to teach Omri and the readers to respect Little Bear as a person. Omri feels awe as he learns about another culture, and learns that, despite their vast differences, he and Little Bear are alike in many ways, and can learn to love each other. So, I think that this book does more good than harm for race relations among its readers.
Book Review: probably my favorite kid's book ever
Summary: 5 Stars
Mrs. Bedwell read this book out loud to my third grade class, and years later as I finish up grad school it still holds a special place in my heart.The adventure begins when Omri discovers that a magical cupboard given to him on his birthday brings to life plastic toys. When he animates Little Bear, a plastic indian that lived about the time of the French Indian War, Omri's perspective on life changes.
What's special about this book is the how resectfully and seriously it takes the it's young characters and their conflicts. Omri and his friend Patrick discover that Little Bear is no toy, he is a real human being with actual life experiences. He has killed people, eats and sleeps, and remembers his own life and culture. As the two boys deal with the reality of keeping a real person concealed from others, they realize that they can't trifle with others' lives. It is this realization, and Omri's ultimate decision regarding Little Bear that make this a lovely coming of age story. Omri and Patrick learn to repect others and their beliefs.
Although Little Bear, the Native American toy brought to life is called an Indian, this book, I feel, is not chracterized by racism or stereotypes. Little Bear is not a western move redman, he's a real human being with a real human personality, and portrayed respectfully and realistically (as much as he can be, considering the plot).
This book is a definite must read for any kid, or kid at heart, who wonders what would happen if toys came to life.
"The Indian in the Cupboard" is one of four books, thought this one is the best. The final book, in which readers learn what makes the cuboard magical in the first place, detracts from the magic amd mystery of the first three books.
Book Review: A Magical Copboard
Summary: 5 Stars
The Indian in the Cupboard, by Lynne Banks, is a fantastic book. The main characters include Little Bear, a small Indian figure; Omri and Patrick; and a small cowboy figure, named Boone. As the story progresses, the characters learn responsibility. When Omri finds out that the cupboard is magical and that it can make toy figures real, it's overwhelmingly amazing.
The book really caught my attention when I found out that there is a fierce Indian warrior. For people who like adventure, this is the book for you. This book is full of exiting and ecstatic scenes. From being shot at by cowboys and Indians, to playing pranks on others.
One thing that really made me never want to put the book down was the suspense at the end of each chapter. In one of the chapters, Patrick gets called to the principal's office. By the end of the chapter, you could clearly see it on the principals face that he knew about the live figures. The moment of this book is so unpredictable and can change at any time. It can go from hysterically funny, to anxious, then shocked.
I liked this book because of what the characters are and the troubles they get into. Like when they get caught supposedly for shoplifting, or even the time that Little Bear was almost eaten by a rat, but those are only some. Because of these accidents, the characters learn responsibility for they're acts.
This book will make you smile. It's suspenseful and thrilling. For me, it has been one of my favorite books I've ever read. Lynne Banks adds a lot of detail and excitement. It's a great book. I loved it and I'm sure you will too. It's a magical story that teaches responsibility. I recommend it to all ages.
Chris, a sixth grader
Book Review: One of the Best Novels Ever!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a fantastic novel that is highly recommended by me. In the novel, The Indian in the Cupboard written by Lynne Reid Banks, a nine-year-old boy named Omri receives a plastic three-inch indian from his friend Patrick as a birthday present. Omri was not very excited and was nonchalant about the plastic indian. He also received a cupboard from his brother Adiel and an ancient key from his mom that somehow fit the cupboard's lock. As Omri was going to bed he was looking for something to put in his cupboard. Then he decided that the indian would be perfect to go into the cupboard. Later during the next day, he heard a weird noise coming from the cupboard. Slowly, he walked out of bed to open up the cupboard. He was shocked at what he discovered. The once-plastic indian had all of a sudden come to life.
At first, the indian was mean and wouldn't let Omri touch him. But as Little Bear(the indians name) got to know more about Omri and vice versa, they began to grow a strong, gargantuan relationship together.Omri would buy and bring Little Bear items occasionally like food, and plastic animals and people. Omri would then turn all the plastic figures into life by putting them in the cupboard and then opening them up.
But at the end, Omri decided to put Little Bear as well as his other plastic figures back in the cupboard so the once-real creatures turned back to plastic again.All in all, Omri and Little Bear had a wonderful adventure together.
If you enjoy this book, you might also want to get The Return of the Indian, The Mystery of the Cupboard, or Key to the Indian.
Thank you for reading my review!!! Your time is appreciated!!!
Book Review: The mysterious, but magical cupboard that will change Omris
Summary: 5 Stars
Indian in the Cupboard is a fascinating book. It begins when Omri's (a young boy who lives in England) birthday arrives. As a birthday present, his best friend Patrick gives him an old plastic Indian of his. As you can imagine, this is not exactly what Omri had pictured. And, unfortunately, his family is poor, so his present from them is a cupboard that his older brother found in an alley. When Omri unwraps his present, he finds that there is no key included. So his substitutes the missing key with a key from his grandmothers prized box (With the permission of his mother, of course.). Omri was impressed with this present (surprisingly), because he could not stop thinking about all the wonderful things he would soon put in it. As Omri finaly takes the precious cupboard up to his room, he discovers something amazing as he places the Indian inside and locks the cupboard door... I enjoyed reading this book because I thought it was a very descriptive book. Such, I thought I was right beside Omri every second I read the book. I could perfectly picture all the settings, the aged cupboard, the characters, and the events like I was one of the characters. Indian in the Cupboard has the perfect balance of action, suspense, and mystery, thrill, and even, fun! I loved this book, and I look forward to reading it again.
I would recommend this book to anyone! This is a great book. Like I said, it has just the right balance of every thing you could want in a book.
And, if you get done with this book, and want to read more about Omri and his adventures, there are more great sequels to Indian in the Cupboard.