1. In the novel's opening, Jeff and his family are ambushed by bushwhackers from Missouri. Later, Jeff encounters a commander who was a former Jayhawker from Kansas. Use historical sources to explore the guerrilla warfare between Missouri slaveholders and Kansas abolitionists. How did this conflict shape the loyalties of people in both states?

2. Through his interactions with Stand Watie, Jeff Bussey gains some insight into the Cherokee form of government. Research the Cherokee government of the 1860s and evaluate the accuracy of Keith's portrayal.

3. Joe Grayson, a friend of Jeff in the Union army, mentions that much of the political tension between the Watie and Ross factions stems from their differing responses to the forced Cherokee relocation, known as the Trail of Tears. Explore the events leading up to this march, the march itself, the reasons provided for it, and its impact on later American history.

4. Many people Jeff encounters in the Oklahoma Territory have at least some Native American heritage. Numerous notable Oklahomans, like the humorist Will Rogers, have Native American ancestry. Using biographies, historical accounts, and other resources, detail the life of Will Rogers or another famous Oklahoman of Native American descent.

5. While most Civil War narratives focus on the Eastern battles, the Western theater had different strategies, personnel, and weaponry. Read an account of an Eastern campaign and compare it to the combat experiences Jeff faces. Describe a significant battle that occurred in the West.

6. Throughout the Civil War, Jeff fights with a single-shot Springfield rifle, though Keith notes that some Union soldiers used Spencer repeating rifles later in the war. Utilize military histories to outline the types of weapons each side employed, the time frames of their use, and their effectiveness.

7. At the novel's conclusion, the Cherokee Nation is on the verge of signing a treaty with the U.S. government. Using historical texts and reference materials, discuss the developments in Cherokee Nation governance since 1865.

8. Mary Boykin Chesnutt's diary is one of the most renowned Civil War records. Read her diary and compare her experiences with those of the women in the Jackman and Washbourne families.