One Eyed Jack

This is a delightful story set in pioneer days involving a young boy named Nate. Nate and his family live in a cabin in the woods in Montana. The family includes Nate, his twelve year old sister, a younger brother, his mom, his dad and his grandfather.

The story starts out with Nate and his father preparing for a cattle drive. Nate’s mom fixes them breakfast and cautions Nate to be careful, making sure he knows that she loves him. His grandfather wakes up to see them off and shares some stories of his youthful adventures. He talks about a dog that he had as a young boy. Nate has always wanted a dog but his dad has never allowed him to have one. His dad didn’t seem to like dogs at all. On the cattle drive, Nate hears something crying and upon investigating finds a small puppy. The puppy is sick and doesn’t look like he will make it but Nate talks his dad into letting him bring it home with him, hoping to nurse it back to health. Everyone is excited about the dog except his Dad. With his mom’s help, Nate nurses the dog back to health and his dad agrees to keep the dog on a trial basis. Nate decides to name the dog One-Eyed Jack because of the black spot of color around one of his eyes. Nate and Jack become good friends, although Jack always seems to be getting into trouble. Jack has many adventures including eating Mom’s pie, finding a rattlesnake, interrupting the Sunday morning church service, fighting a bear and saving Nate’s life.

Throughout the book, the writer weaves Godly principles, teaching children the importance of being kind to one another and being honest. Nate learns what it means to be forgiving and not revengeful to his sister. Nate learns how to trust in God and to believe in the power of prayer. The book teaches strong family values and respect for your parents.

This book is an excellent book for young readers. They will find it fun and easy to read and will enjoy the adventures of Nate and Jack.

Book Review by Naomi Glenn