Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
What a fun read! This was truly from a young boy’s perspective and made me laugh out loud several times. The relationships were realistic between Omri and his parents, brothers, school friend and finally his tiny Indian. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Considering it was written in the 1980s, there’s parts that don’t age particularly well. However, as a nostalgic read it hits the spot
Strangely upsetting. I always felt really bad for the Indian.
A great fun rollick. A boy grows up. Fabulous fun listen. (Audio Book)
Given unlimited time, I would probably pursue reading the rest in the series.
Given unlimited time, I would probably pursue reading the rest in the series.
I loved this book as a child. A definite must read for families.
UPDATE June 2022: This is the first read-aloud book I read to my twin 6 year old boys. I remember loving it as a child. Sometimes it seemed like they weren't paying attention while I read, but then they would bring up random things during the day and I realized they were paying attention. I loved when they said "mom, can we read more Indian in the Cupboard tonight" and when we cuddled together reading. But my all time favorite part was when they would stop me in the middle of a sentence to tell me what they thought would happen next or, even better, what they would do if they were Omri. We started to watch the movie and Ozzy turned to me and said "mom, the book is SO much better". The best words ever.
UPDATE June 2022: This is the first read-aloud book I read to my twin 6 year old boys. I remember loving it as a child. Sometimes it seemed like they weren't paying attention while I read, but then they would bring up random things during the day and I realized they were paying attention. I loved when they said "mom, can we read more Indian in the Cupboard tonight" and when we cuddled together reading. But my all time favorite part was when they would stop me in the middle of a sentence to tell me what they thought would happen next or, even better, what they would do if they were Omri. We started to watch the movie and Ozzy turned to me and said "mom, the book is SO much better". The best words ever.
Wonderful book. Brings out the kid in you. Wish I had one those cupboards. I would of done that with my Barbies :)
So, I can't in any way attest to this book's treatment of native tribes. It FEELS halfway to accurate, but only a quarter of the way to politically correct. Banks makes sure to point out that tribes have different traditions and beliefs, as well as different alliances with Europeans, but it still feels like Little Bear is being portrayed as the "noble savage," to me.
The story itself is okay. I know this is considered a classic, but I don't feel it's aged too well in the last couple decades. I know that most of my friends my age read this in school, so I suppose the 90s were still all abuzz over the book, but since 2000, we've had so many more sophisticated, aware books than this, that I feel this would be a poor choice for any modern-day classroom.
It's still good, don't get me wrong. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook (read by the author herself), but I couldn't see myself slogging through corrections on proper terms and depictions of the characters to teach this. I'd hand it off to a kid to read on their own, but with school approval, perhaps not.
Just be careful, here. I know some parents will find my warning too PC, but allowing your kids to pick up the idea of "playing cowboys and Indians" seems like such a step backwards.
The story itself is okay. I know this is considered a classic, but I don't feel it's aged too well in the last couple decades. I know that most of my friends my age read this in school, so I suppose the 90s were still all abuzz over the book, but since 2000, we've had so many more sophisticated, aware books than this, that I feel this would be a poor choice for any modern-day classroom.
It's still good, don't get me wrong. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook (read by the author herself), but I couldn't see myself slogging through corrections on proper terms and depictions of the characters to teach this. I'd hand it off to a kid to read on their own, but with school approval, perhaps not.
Just be careful, here. I know some parents will find my warning too PC, but allowing your kids to pick up the idea of "playing cowboys and Indians" seems like such a step backwards.
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
i read this as a kid and enjoyed it. definitely not pc these days tho
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
For being published in 1980, this book maintained its relevance and message today despite a few unaddressed racist moments. The moral of the story is that people do not deserve to be treated like objects, and friendship can persevere through differences. The execution of this message was nearly perfect and I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. I listened to the audio book and would recommend it as it is read by the author and she does brilliant voices for each of the characters. There were a few moments I would have liked to see more of a discussion around, particularly when Boone made explicitly racist comments to Little Bull. The author chose to leave those be and push the two characters to be friends anyways without apology from Boone or discussion on how Little Bull's hurt was valid. I would be willing to see if that is addressed in the rest of the series but that was really the only disappointing thing about this book. Rating it lower for that and because middle grade isn't my preferred genre though I really enjoyed this classic.