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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
I reread this series to tatters as a kid. Reading it over twenty-five years later I am literally cringing over nearly every sentence re: the Indian, but the magic framework still fascinates me. Such a neat concept. Def a problematic fave, would not recommend to anyone but I’m going to push through the whole series for the memories.
It was a really well written book. There were a couple slurs and sayings that wouldn’t really be found in books around now, but it was a really good book nonetheless. I can see why people get mad at the Native American character (called an Indian in the book) being stereotypical, in physical characteristics and language, but he’s portrayed as one of the hardest working and wisest characters in the book. I also really liked the idea of Omri learning that Little Bear is a real person with a real life and not just a play toy.
While the tropes of this book are based on pretty racist assumptions the ideas are really solid. Toys becoming real, jealousy of friends, protection of human lives. Considering the period it’s from I think it’s a fun book, but the ‘indian’ stereotype is pretty harsh reading.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Doesn't have the same magic or excitement as when I first read it, but still enjoyable. Probably 3 stars for me now.
I don't generally like series, but I re-read this to finally read the rest of the series. Woo!
I don't generally like series, but I re-read this to finally read the rest of the series. Woo!
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-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
Entertaining story of magic cupboard which brings toy Indian (American not Asian in this case) and other figures to life. The book brings up issues of friendship and what is the right thing to do, and complex issues of race and war are bright in at an appropriate age level.
Some really interesting moments, it could have fleshed out more parts, and really come home but it was a solid read all the same. Certainly better than the mid 90's movie I watched at the cinema back when it was released.
Some really interesting moments, it could have fleshed out more parts, and really come home but it was a solid read all the same. Certainly better than the mid 90's movie I watched at the cinema back when it was released.
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
The first and the fourth are by and far the best books of this series that I've read, though I found out through StoryGraph that there even is a fifth book. Will have to check it out. As a series-wide review, though, the Indian in the Cupboard series firmly captures a sense of whimsy, adventure, and discovery while also holding a sense of wonder for the past and the people that came before the reader. It isn't necessarily perfectly historically accurate in the portrayal of those past characters, but it does endear the reader to them.
I enjoyed this book so much when I read it when I was young, so I decided to read it to my kids this summer. They loved it too! When you're young, I think it's just very magical to imagine 2" tall plastic figures coming to life. Maybe we'll read The Return of the Indian next.