Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Unlike many other reviewers, I found the Indian in the Cupboard to be a racist, misrepresentative book which was full of age old stereotypes about American Indians. Being an American Indian myself, I found Banks' portrayl of Little Bear extrememly offensive and very inaccurate. First, Banks describes Little Bear as an Iroqouis warrior so why is he befeathered? Why does he have a natural animosity towards the cowboy? And why does he so quickly adapt to the horse? All of these things are inconsistent with Little Bear's status as an Iroqouis man. I also wondered about naming a full grown man who resided in a warrior society "Little Bear"? Very doubtful that that would have been the case. Most disturbing is the objectification of Little Bear as a plastic toy, American Indians are real, not toys meant for the amusement of white children. I think that this book could be very harmful to its juvenile readers. So many kids are unaware of the realities of Native American history and life, and I think that Banks reinforces the popular negative stereotypes that our children so unfortunately fall victim too. When selecting this book, ask yourself this: if I read this book to an American Indian child, how would they feel? Would they be embarrassed or hurt? With so many excellent books about Native American people and issues out there, it is definitely sad that kids will look to Banks' book as an example of what an "Indian" is. .