One-Eyed Jack

Paula Miller
Blooming Tree Press (2006)
ISBN 0971834881
Reviewed by Megan Kurz (age 13) for Reader Views (3/07)

The book “One Eyed Jack” starts in Montana in 1882.  A boy named Nate and his Pa go looking for wandering cows left behind and end up finding a gray ball of fluff of a puppy.  When Nate finds the puppy all alone he thinks his Pa would get mad about him wanting the puppy.  The little puppy was hurt and Nate wanted to keep it so bad, so his Pa says “the dog is too far-gone you can’t save him.”  But, Nate refuses and says, “No, I know I can save him.”  On the way back to the ranch, Nate was trying to name the puppy like, “Duke, Clarence, and then decides on One-Eyed Jack.”  As the book goes on Jack is starting to get used to the family and is now starting to like to follow Nate around more often.  His Pa does still not like to have a dog around.  Jack is very mischievous; he is starting to get in trouble like making messes.

When the story is getting close to the end, Nate gets attacked by a bear.  Jack saves him but Nate hurt his ankle.  As Nate and Jack find a shelter, Pa, Grandpa and Uncle Pete find them just in time.  As they carried Nate with Jack, Nate whispers, “come on let’s celebrate.”  It really shows in the story how God knows best.

The author’s main point is that she wants her reader to know that God knows best.  The author was very successful in the book because all the events are put in place.  The author writes very well; she paints a picture for her readers.  The book is for a general reader and the age is 7 and up.  My favorite part is when Nathan first finds Jack with his Pa on a hunting trip.

I really enjoyed “One-Eyed Jack.”  A reader can learn about how God can help you though your life if you ever need him.

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (9/06)

“One-Eyed Jack” is the story of a Christian family living on a cattle ranch in Montana in the 1880s.  The family is multigenerational all living under one roof.   Ma and Pa strive to instill Christian morals in their children

Nate heard a noise in the bushes, and he rushed to investigate, finding an injured puppy.  The name One-Eyed Jack fits well, and soon the whole family is in love with the four-legged ball of fur that has a black patch of fur around one eye. Everyone loves Jack, well almost every one.  For some unknown reason, Pa hates dogs, all dogs.  Nate must keep Jack out of trouble and pray that Pa’s heart softens toward the pup.

With lots of love from the family the little puppy becomes large and healthy.   Jack and Nate quickly became inseparable.  Ma had cooked for Mrs. Hamley.  Nate received a lesson in baking a pie when Jack ate the pie.  When Jack made a mess of the forge while catching a mouse, Nate had to clean up the mess.

When Jack disrupts the church service he may have gone too far.  It is only after Grandpa intercedes that Pa allows Jack to remain.  Nate and Grandpa begin working closely with Nate, training him to follow commands.  Jack is a smart dog and learns quickly. It is only after Jack saves Nate’s life that Pa truly realizes his worth and that he was a gift from God.

“One-Eyed Jack’ has a beautifully illustrated cover that immediately made me want to read this book.  The print was large and easy to read. Ms. Miller has written a delightful book that children up to third grade will enjoy.  The plot flows smoothly and the antics of Jack made me eager to turn the page.  I highly recommend this book.  The message is one of a strong family values and Christian morals.  I will share “One-Eyed Jack” with my grandchildren this weekend.  I hope Ms. Miller continues to share with us.

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