Cover of Smoky the Cowhorse

Smoky the Cowhorse

by Will James

Assigned across 1 curriculum list

Smoky the Cowhorse by Will James is assigned in US schools at grades 3–7. It appears across 1 curriculum reference, sourced from state DOE pages and AP/IB/Common Core syllabi. Every citation below links to the primary source.

This page shows where Smoky the Cowhorse is assigned in US schools — curricula, states, grades, and the primary-source citations behind each placement. Not a summary or study guide.

Grade range
Grades 3–7
First published
1926
Genre
Biography & Autobiography
ISBN-13
9791041803767
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About this book

The book "Smoky the Cowhorse" by Will James chronicles the full life of a remarkable horse. It begins with Smoky's birth and early experiences as a wild range horse in the American West, detailing his interactions within the herd, encounters with predators, and the initial human intervention of branding. The narrative then follows Smoky's breaking and training by the skilled cowboy Clint on the Rocking R ranch. Despite initial resistance, Smoky develops a deep trust and affection for Clint, demonstrating exceptional loyalty and intelligence by rescuing an injured Clint. This bond solidifies, and Clint secures Smoky as his personal horse, with Smoky excelling as a cowhorse during roundups. However, their partnership is tragically interrupted when Smoky is stolen by a horse thief. Clint emba

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Why widely assigned

This Biography & Autobiography title, typically at grades 3–7. Written in the 1920s; cited across 1 curriculum framework.

Where this book is assigned

Common questions

What grade level is Smoky the Cowhorse?
Smoky the Cowhorse is most commonly assigned in US schools in grades 3–7. Specific grade placement varies by curriculum — AP Literature and IB English Literature typically use it in grades 11-12.
What curricula assign Smoky the Cowhorse?
Smoky the Cowhorse appears on reading lists for Newbery Medal. Each assignment on this site links to its primary-source citation.
Is Smoky the Cowhorse banned in schools?
Smoky the Cowhorse does not appear in PEN America's Index of School Book Bans 2022-2024. No documented multi-district removals on record, but individual districts may challenge titles locally.

Why this book is on this list

Each dimension below is sourced from a public reference. The full framework is documented on the classification standard page.

Lexile measure
Not classified — this book has no published Lexile measure.
Grade band
Grades 3–7 — drawn from state ELA frameworks and AP/IB syllabi citing this book.
Curriculum alignment
Cited in 1 curriculum on this site (see “Where assigned” above for primary-source links).
State-level evidence
Not yet documented in a state-level framework on this site.
Removal / banning records
No tracked removal or challenge records in cited sources.
Seasonal / contextual tags
Tagged for: award-winner.
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