Modern Fantasy: The Indian in the Cupboard

Modern Fantasy

Title: The Indian in the Cupboard

Author: Lynne Reid Banks

Publisher: Yearling

Copyright date: 1980

Number of Pages: 240 pages

Awards: N/A

Reading Level: Independent Reader Jr. "I am a Reader"

Generally appropriate for 4th Grade to 7th Grade
These books are appropriate for the independent reader who can retain and understand more elaborate and sophisticated story elements.

Lexile: 780L

Genre: Children’s Literature, Science Fiction, Modern Fantasy

Summary:

When Omri's big brother has no birthday present for him, he gives Omri an old wooden medicine cabinet he's found. The cabinet doesn't seem like much of a present to nine-year-old Omri, because he doesn’t have a key to open it. He also was given a plastic Native American figure too, from his friend. Not knowing what to do with both of his gifts he just set them in his room. He then decided to try and open his cabinet. His mother gave him a box of keys to find one that fits the key hole. At first, Omri is unimpressed with the plastic Indian toy he is given for his birthday. But, when he found a key that fit and he put his plastic Native American figure in his old cupboard and turned the key, something extraordinary happens that would change Omri's life forever!

Academic Purpose:

I would integrate this book into the classroom, to meet the Indian Education for All, standards. This book brings the story alive about a Native American figure who tells stories about his culture, traditions, and stories. The students would be able to learn about Native Americans and their culture, and work on their writing skills. I would first have the students read the book. As they are reading the book, I would have them participate in Literature Circles to discuss different parts of the book. Then, after when the book is finished, I would have students write a story about if they were a Native American locked in a cabinet, what kind of traditions, cultures, dances, and stories would they have to tell.

Rating System:

Categories:	5 Stars	3 Stars	1 Star	Comments
Style and Language	The book anticipates readers’ questions and uses great word choice for the age targeted. It has linear progression and communicates its point clearly.	The book follows a linear progression, with some unclear points. The word choice is okay.	The book is confusing as it doesn’t follow a linear progression at all. The vocabulary in the book is either too simple or too complex for the age group targeted.	This book uses great word choice for the age targeted. There is many vocabulary words and many learning points that the teacher can engage students on about the Native American culture. The books style and language creates a great book for independent readers. This book communicates its point clearly about a modern fantasy story and has a linear progression for a storyline.   5 stars
Plot and Character Development	The plot is in depth and helps to create a picture in the reader’s mind. The plot is organized having a beginning, middle, and end. The character development is strong.	The plot is okay. The book is organized with a beginning, middle, and end. The characters are well developed.	The book is confusing and doesn’t have a clear beginning, middle, or end.	This book does have a plot, which creates a picture in the reader’s mind. The plot is organized having a beginning, middle, and end. The ending is great!       5 stars
Interest	The book holds real life situations which draw the reader in. The word choice and story hold the reader’s attention. The book is suitable for the age group targeted.	The book holds little interest and draws the reader in sometimes. The book is suitable for the age group targeted.	The book is very boring and doesn’t hold the reader’s attention. The book is not suitable for the age group targeted.	This book definitely holds the reader’s attention. The way the words jump off the page when Omri opens up his cabinet for the first time is like the reader is actually there to see it. The book does such a great job engaging the reader. 5 stars
Educational Value	The book is relatable to education. The book can be integrated into other content areas.	The book is relatable to education. The book may need further resources to help connect it to other content areas.	The book is not relatable to education whatsoever. The book is not appropriate to be integrated into other content areas.	This book is relatable to education. This book can teach students to write from another point of view, and also students can learn about the Native American culture.   5 star