I would read this book in either a third, fourth of fifth grade classroom. Some of the figurative language and diction used in the book can be challenging for students to understand. This short book talks about various ways the Cheyenne Native American Tribe stood up and fought for what they believed in. This book could be utilized in class discussions about when various groups have to stand up for their rights and fight for what they believe in, no matter how challenging. This book can also be used in discussions about the relationship between the European settlers and the Native Americans.

Death of the Iron Horse is a part of Cheyenne History. This book is loosely based on an actual train derailment that happened in 1867. The Cheyenne people had heard rumors of the Iron Horse, they were not sure what it was. Some thought it might be an enormous snake, others were under the impression is was an underwater monster. Whatever it was, the Cheyenne people were ready for its arrival. One night the Indians pulled up the train tracks using their knives and tomahawks. The Cheyenne people had already been victim to the soldiers and white hunters greedy for their land. They were not going to let it happen again. The train crashed and killed all the men on board, the Indians raided the train and stole all the goods inside. This is a story based on real life history, the Cheyenne men did what they felt was the right thing to do to protect their families. This book is very interesting and educational.

Part of being a teacher is teaching the history of the United States. Native Americans are a huge part of that history, especially in a state such as Oklahoma, which has a huge Native American Population. In Oklahoma, a teacher is more likely than not, going to have a Native American student in their class room. This book would be a great book to read to educate a class on the history of Native Americans.

Death of an Iron Horse would be a great book to read to introduce the history of Native Americans. Children could then learn about the culture and beliefs of each tribe. The teacher could take their class to a Native American museum where the children would see the different clothes and jewelry that were hand made by the tribes. The class could then go back to their class room and make their own versions of the jewelry using beads or make Indian vests and headdresses out of construction paper, paper bags, and feathers.

This book is an historical fiction book. The art is illustrations that have been hand drawn using paint. The book is about the indians trying to kill "the iron horse" which is a train. They think that the iron horse is out to get them and their families so the Indains tried to do all they could to kill it. The reading level is second or third grade. The curricular connection is history. It would be a good book to read to the class when they are leaning about indians living in the 1800's.