The Indian in the Cupboard

I adored this book as a child in the early ‘90s and was excited to reread it with my sons. I still love the magical premise of the story, as did my kids. Being able to bring toys to life is basically every kid’s dream, after all.

When I originally read this book 30 years ago, it was a very different time. I’m not excusing anything as ok; it was just different, and society has since learned better. That said, even though I love the story, I cringed and edited all the way through reading it with my children. It did present opportunities for educational and edifying discussions about racism, stereotypes, and cultural respect and appreciation.

I’d love to see this series rewritten with collaborators of Haudenosaunee heritage and show more expertise. It would take a full rewrite, though, to scrub all the problematic bits and reframe certain aspects of the story. It has a lot of good in it, but there’s also a lot that would benefit from a heavy update. show less

This book does some really great things, but also some pretty terrible things at the same time. I like Banks' prose style. I like that the Iroquois, Little Bear, refuses to just let the boys make the "you are a generic Indian" mistake. A good read, but I would hope that any parent or teacher would include a unit/chat on the actual history of the time (1889 for Boone, at least) of the characters.

Remniscent of a Diana Wynne Jones novel in which the unexpected consequences of using magic put the young protagonist in a difficult but usually funny fix.

A story in which toy figures come to life is fairly likely to incorporate stereotypes about the figures, since the toy figures more or less embody stereotypes. The WWI medic is just as much a stereotype as the cowboy or the Indian.

When Omri gets a wife for Little Bull, however, he is acting as a pimp. And the woman whom he brings to life is passive and accepting of her fate, even though she has been dragged from some unknown time and place simply to satisfy Little Bull. Perhaps the old chief who dies of terror was better off.

Brilliant both as a children's book and a coming of age novel. Although it's low fantasy, it feels more like science fiction in drawing out the consequences of an interesting piece of technology. Omri's actions and character transformation are very believable.
The only part of the book I didn't enjoy was Patrick's betrayal, and Omri's quick acceptance of his actions. In fact, for all of the times Omri threatened to knock someone's teeth out, I would have thought he'd have tried it at least once.

This book sat on the book shelf for a long time and reading this delightful tale today felt as though I found a piece of chocolate in last Winter's coat pocket.

I marvel at the creativity that went into the concept of a young boy who is given an old cabinet and a key. When his friend gives him a plastic Indian toy as a birthday present, he locks the toy in the cabinet.

Surprised at hearing noises emanating from the cabinet, upon opening the door, a tiny Indian is found alive and kicking with all his might.

The spunky Indian is quite demanding while brandishing his teeny knife and stubbornly pouting. Chaos ensues as the young man tries to hide the secret while meeting the needs of his new found friend.

Reading this book was wonderful fun. show more Recommended to anyone who needs a smile on a rainy day. show less

The story is great fun and provides enough suspense to readily engage middle grade readers. Adults reading it to younger children may find some of the mystery and devices for building tension far-fetched but it can be enchanting to share the amazement and wonder that LRB creates with her excellent writing.

The Indian in the Cupboard is a classic children's story that I still enjoy as an adult. It all begins when Omri's friend Patrick gives him a plastic Indian for his birthday. It's really not the greatest present, because Patrick only gave it to Omri because he didn't have any cowboy figures to play cowboys and Indians with. Omri doesn't have any cowboys either, but accepts the present with good grace.

He receives another secondhand present for his birthday that night from his brother Gillon — a white metal cupboard. Omri is a somewhat secretive person and is pleased with this gift. His mother gives him a key for it (her grandmother's key), and that night Omri locks his plastic Indian in the cupboard. He is awakened by a scratching show more sound... His plastic Indian has come to life. And the adventures begin.

The author does an excellent job of getting inside a ten-year-old's head and portraying his thoughts believably. There is a lot of humor mixed in with the more serious themes of culture clash and racism. Nowhere is this story even slightly preachy, and you come away with such strong impressions of the distinct characters. Banks gets everything right, even down to the family rows in Omri's household. This is a great read and highly recommended. show less