First, we’re having a GREAT time with the One School-One Book program…. Getting “thank you” notes from parents already about how it’s “forcing” some family reading time that they seemed to have lost over the years.
— Paul Marinko - Principal at St. Paul's Lutheran School - Fort Wayne, IN
Since last spring, our entire school has excitedly embraced the One School, One Book Program. We will soon begin our spring selection: A Cricket in Times Square -- the third book we've adopted since the spring of 2010!

We are so thrilled with the positive impact this program has had on our students, families, and staff
— Laurie LaRue - First Grade Teacher at Edgewood School - Bristol, CT
I think the OSOB program is brilliant. My seven year-old attends Orleans Elementary in Massachusetts and they (we) are reading Masterpiece. Since the grades levels range from one to five at this school, finding a book to suit all is difficult. My daughter can follow the big picture somewhat but we have to reinforce what we’ve read because it’s a lot to take in for her.
— Glenn Krzeminski - Parent of student at Orleans Elementary - Orleans, MA
The One District, One Book program promoted by Read To Them...is a powerful way to systemically address and promote a culture of literacy throughout the entire school system.

My school actually adopted a hamster and even used it as “pet therapy” for many of the behaviorally challenged children in our school.
— Kenny Moles of West Virginia

The Indian in the Cupboard

by Lynne Reid Banks (1980)

Twenty years before there was Harry Potter, there was The Indian in the Cupboard – a book series that became a craze in England, thousands of families eagerly awaiting the next installment of what would total a 5 book series. Thats a long time ago in the life of an elementary school child, and that makes Lynne Reid Banks’ story a perfect choice for One School, One Book, because today’s generation of children and families is largely unfamiliar with it.

The Indian in the Cupboard tells the story of a young boy, Omri, whose toy plastic Indian magically comes to life – a real live Iroquois Indian, three inches tall. Such a premise could turn out silly, but Banks doesn’t play it that way. The story is humorous, active, scary, and wise. Omri quickly learns what it means to become responsible for another creature – one with his own agenda and his own set of values. When a second character – a toy cowboy – comes to life, the plot is off and running.

The Indian in the Cupboard meets all the premises One School, One Book demands. Younger children can follow the action easily as they identify with the various characters, historical and contemporary. Older children get to absorb a little history through a sly story, and also get to grapple with the ethical questions posed to Omri and his friend, Patrick. Parents and teachers are along for the ride as there is plenty to learn, and plenty to enjoy vicariously in this rollicking, sage tale.

(And as it is the first in a 5 book series, The Indian in the Cupboard promotes Read To Them’s culture of reading by inviting and encouraging students and families to read on thru the series on their own.)

There are eight supplementary resources for Lynne Reid Banks’ The Indian in the Cupboard:

a sample letter home to parents
a sample reading schedule
daily trivia questions
an answer key
a list of suggested activities
a popular assembly script
an end of book trivia contest
another answer key

As a participating member of One School, One Book you may have access to all of these documents. Here are some samples: