Reviews

The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks

labunnywtf's review against another edition

4.0

Strangely upsetting. I always felt really bad for the Indian.

bookish_mrs_w's review against another edition

4.0

4.5…I loved this just as much as I did as a child. I think as a child, I loved the magic of the toy coming to life most. As an adult, I appreciated the friendship, the bond and the love that Omri & Little Bear created…I also appreciated that the author acknowledged that some of our views of Native Americans & Western Settlers “cowboys” were not accurate. Was the book as culturally sensitive as it could be? No. But it was published in 1981! We’ve come a long way since then…and it’s book like these that were catalysts in trying to understand culture and history from another perspective, giving way to other authors to improve that viewpoint, giving readers the ability to be more empathetic, etc. I, honestly, am so happy I re-read this. It was one of my favorites as a child and I will happily continue to share this with others a great classic!

greaydean's review against another edition

4.0

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.

emerygirl's review against another edition

5.0

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.

christina72's review against another edition

4.0

Wonderful book. Brings out the kid in you. Wish I had one those cupboards. I would of done that with my Barbies :)

kitsuneheart's review

4.0

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.

drizzlybear's review against another edition

adventurous funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot

3.0

i read this as a kid and enjoyed it. definitely not pc these days tho

ferdie's review against another edition

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? It's complicated

3.75

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. 

suzyvee's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

zenithharpink's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I first read this in 3rd or 4th grade, and I really enjoyed it. Having it read it again now, SEVERAL years later, I can say I remembered (vaguely) a few details and still really enjoyed this. Such a creative premise, and Omri is such a thoughtful hero. Patrick drove me a little crazy, but the characters were all lovable and the story interesting.  

I recommend to all young readers, and those looking for a super popular fantasy read.