Customer Reviews

One-eyed Jack

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4 star:		(3)
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It's a rough, tough but family-centered world that Nate experiences in 1880s Montana. Living with his grandfather, parents, a 12 year-old sister and little brother, Nate at 10 years old would absolutely love to own a dog. But his Pa definitely has some secret reason for absolutely forbidding Nate to even consider owning one, that is until they find a young, hurt pup while on a cattle round-up overnight trip.

Nate believes that God will take care of it all but the day-by-day progress of controlling and training "One-Eyed Jack" is full of funny, adventurous, and scary moments as Jack proceeds to do what all young pups do as they grow in size and curiosity.

The story behind Pa's dislike of dogs will hit you in the gut and make you definitely understand his attitude, but the life or death scene that will change this is well worth the wait for Nate as well as the reader.

To say more would give away the story. It is enough to say that this is a great books for boys and girls. It's got plenty of dangerous scenes to fire up interest and keep it, and it's about a faith that is so real it's important without being gawky.

It also has some very cool scenes about what it was to truly live as cattle farmers and hunters in the 1800s.

Definitely worth reading! Nice job, Paula Miller!

Reviwed by Viviane Crystal on July 4, 2007

One-eyed Jack is a fun story about a boy and his troublesome dog. It is rich in history, language, and fun adventures of a boy on a cattle ranch in the 1880's. We read it as a read aloud, but it would make a great chapter book read for a boy or girl. If your kids like the Little House series, they will love One-Eyed Jack! In fact, One-Eyed Jack held my kids attention more than the Little House books!

One-Eyed Jack is a wonderful children's book.

While on a cattle run with his Pa, Nate finds a dying puppy. Though it is with reluctance, Nate's father allows him to bring the puppy home, not expecting it to live through the night. Jack grows stronger every day with the love and nurturing he gets from Nate, his grandpa, brother, and sister.

This is a tender tale of a young boy finding his way. Nate must learn to keep Jack under control, but is growing up right along with One-Eyed Jack. Together they get lost in the woods and face one of nature's most challenging obstackles! I imagined David fighting Goliath!

This is a book that I enjoyed and plan to share with my nephews and cousins. Even my busy, two year old daughter enjoyed hearing me read it.

I think this is one you'll want to share with your children

This is a cute story about Nate and his dog, One-Eyed Jack. Think "Little House on the Prairie" told from a boy's perspective. It's also the first in a new children's series titled "Faces of History".

Paula Miller has created a fun and easy to read series for ages 7 and up, introducing children and young teens to different periods of history through fiction.

Her characters are well developed, and she includes lots of little known facts about the historical period. "One-Eyed Jack" includes facts from the 1880's, such as how to tan pelts and "riding sign".

What I loved most about the story was her Bible teaching. Ma and Pa demonstrate Christ to their family, and Grandpa has some interesting things to share with Nate about respecting your parents.

In all, I think this is a series for any family, but especially for homeschool Christian families. I can see this being added to a history curriculum, making it fun and interesting.

One-Eyed Jack is a delightful story about a boy who loves his dog, and the lessons he learns about life from the mishaps and trials he experiences because of One-Eyed Jack's recklessness. This story has a Little House on the Prairie feel to it, but with a faith thread. Even though it's a children's story, I really enjoyed the book and read it straight through. Plus, I thought the pictures were adorable and complemented the story. I especially loved the part of the story where Nate and his dog are lost and he thinks he'll never see his family again. Despite his overzealous and clumsy ways, One-Eyed Jack was a lovable pooch and very heroic. And the ending of the story was really nice. It almost makes you want to cry like in the story Homeward Bound, where the animals find their way back to family after being lost in the wilderness. I definitely recommend this book.

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.

Book Received at No Charge

IN REVIEW
One-Eyed Jack is Paula Miller's first children's novel, and the first in her Faces in History series. One-Eyed Jack's antics and the conflict he stirs up on a ranch in the 1880s make excellent reading for children ages seven and up. The three siblings in the book face the same issues as young readers today--family conflict, respect for parents, and faith. Young readers will doubtless see resolutions for their own problems as the main character Nate confronts his issues.

I recommend this heartwarming tale for any child, especially if it can be read aloud by an older reader who loves a good story. Miller skillfully weaves her points among the blades of story grass. Everyone will be inspired as Nate overcomes his personal obstacles with faith and perseverance

I heard recently that a book written on a level agreeable to a ten-year-old should be entertaining for adults. My visit with Nate in One-Eyed Jack leaves me believing that statement to be true.

In One-Eyed Jack, readers visit 1880's Montana through the eyes of Nate, as this young boy helps out on his family's ranch and develops a lifesaving bond with his dog. For unknown reasons, Nate's Pa doesn't care for dogs so Nate must convince his father that One-Eyed Jack is worthy of a spot in the family.

Nate's journey is interwoven with family values and spiritual truths. The language in One-Eyed Jack is beautiful, well fit for a family read aloud. Though the cover says this book is for ages seven and up, my pre-readers were able to follow along with the story and once we finished the first chapter, they were asking for me to read more. Children and adults alike will carry away fondness for this timeless tale.

Armchair Interviews says: Readers will look forward to reading more from the Faces of History series.