Shiloh (Naylor novel)

Atheneum Books
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Shiloh is a children's novel by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor that earned the Newbery Medal and was released in 1991. This book marks Naylor's 65th publication and serves as the initial installment in a four-part series centered on a young boy and an abused dog. The inspiration for Shiloh came from Naylor’s encounter with a mistreated dog while visiting West Virginia.

The narrative centers on Marty Preston, an 11-year-old boy residing in Friendly, West Virginia. After discovering a neglected beagle owned by his stern neighbor Judd Travers, Marty breaks social conventions by taking and hiding the dog, whom he names Shiloh. When his secret is revealed, Marty uncovers Judd’s illegal deer hunting activity and leverages this to arrange purchasing Shiloh. Without the funds to buy the dog outright, Marty agrees to work for Judd, completing chores to earn the money.

Classified mainly as a Bildungsroman and adventure novel, Shiloh delves into themes such as ethics, morality, faith, and the bonds between humans and animals. Marty wrestles with challenging ethical dilemmas, torn between rescuing Shiloh through dishonest means or permitting the continued mistreatment.

Critics praised the novel for its gripping storyline and genuine regional dialogue. Alongside receiving the Newbery Medal, it garnered multiple children’s choice awards including the Sequoyah Book Award, Mark Twain Readers Award, and William Allen White Children's Book Award. The story was adapted into a film titled Shiloh in 1996 and subsequently inspired three sequels: Shiloh Season, Saving Shiloh, and A Shiloh Christmas (published in 1996, 1997, and 2015). The book continues to be widely incorporated into U.S. elementary school curricula.

Background and publishing

Phyllis Reynolds Naylor was born in 1933 in Anderson, Indiana and grew up during the Great Depression in Indiana and Illinois. Books were a significant part of her childhood, with her parents reading to her every night. At age 16, she penned a short story for a church publication and published her first book in her early thirties. Over her career, she has authored more than 100 titles. When she wrote Shiloh, her 65th novel, she was living in Bethesda, Maryland with her husband Rex, a speech pathologist; they have been married since 1960 and have two sons and four grandchildren.

Naylor writes for readers of all ages including children, adolescents, and adults. Typically, she spends several years developing each book while maintaining roughly ten notebooks filled with ideas and character insights. However, Shiloh was an exception—its initial draft was completed within eight weeks.

Edited by Jonathan Lanman, Shiloh was published by Atheneum Books on September 30, 1991. The novel has been translated into at least ten languages such as Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, and Swedish.

Plot summary

Set in Friendly, West Virginia, the story follows eleven-year-old Marty Preston who discovers a stray beagle near his home. He names the dog Shiloh but soon learns the animal belongs to Judd Travers—a man known for owning hunting dogs that he mistreats due to his alcoholism. Worried about Shiloh’s wellbeing, Marty secretly shelters him in the woods and provides food.

When Marty's mother finds out about Shiloh’s concealment, she insists that the dog be returned to Judd. Marty attempts to persuade Judd to allow him to keep Shiloh; however, Judd risks a penalty by shooting a doe out of season. Marty uses this information to strike a bargain: he will pay $40 for Shiloh through working twenty hours for Judd.

Although Judd later refuses to honor their agreement—claiming lost proof and an unsigned contract—Marty persists with his work. As time passes, their conversations reveal Judd’s difficult upbringing. Eventually, Judd softens his stance and permits Marty to keep Shiloh.

Autobiographical elements

In a 1992 discussion regarding Shiloh, Naylor described a novel as akin to a patchwork quilt, composed of personal experiences, stories she has encountered, and her own creative imaginings. Many of her characters are inspired by herself and her two sons. The idea for the book emerged following a visit to friends Frank and Trudy Madden in West Virginia. While strolling near their residence with her husband Rex, they noticed a dog trailing them through the grass. Naylor recalled it as "the saddest, most mistreated-looking beagle I'd ever seen." The animal exhibited signs of fear and submission, crawling forward on its belly, indicating possible mistreatment. On impulse, Naylor whistled, prompting the dog to approach and lick her face. During a rainy afternoon, the dog lingered beneath a tree close to the Maddens' home, moving Naylor to tears on their journey back.

Rex inquired whether she would experience a "nervous breakdown" or take action—the latter meaning writing a novel. Reflecting on the dog's suffering and ownership, Naylor imagined herself as an 11-year-old confronting these issues.

The Maddens resided near Shiloh in Tyler County, West Virginia, where Naylor discovered the dog in 1989; this location inspired the dog's name in the story. The setting was modeled after Friendly, West Virginia, home to the Maddens' post office. The couple chose to adopt the injured dog, whom they named Clover, after considering but ultimately deciding against placing her in an animal shelter following veterinary treatment. By 1992, Frank Madden reported that Clover was healthy and lively. After Shiloh received the Newbery Medal, Clover attained nationwide recognition and even took part in promotional activities such as paw-print signings. By 1997, however, Clover had grown older and less active; Trudy Madden mentioned that due to health reasons, Clover no longer participated in public events.

Trudy Madden confirmed that Naylor accurately portrayed Shiloh’s landmarks in both Shiloh and its sequels. After the book’s 1991 release, Friendly's post office installed a sign indicating that Clover lived there and advised visitors to contact the Maddens before arriving.

Style

Shiloh is presented through the first-person perspective of Marty Preston, characterized by a pastoral tone interspersed with noticeable grammatical imperfections. Arlene Perly Rae from Toronto Star described its style as straightforward, while Jane Langton of The New York Times Book Review referred to it as cozy and homey—appropriate for readers in third or fourth grade. Scholar Kathie Cerra commended the novel’s vivid sensory imagery, which effectively conveys Marty’s internal emotions and moral struggles.

Leona W. Fisher observed that the book employs a distinctive literary approach: an extended internal monologue predominantly in present tense over several summer weeks that centers tightly on Marty’s ethical conflict. This limited timeframe allows for focused exploration of his moral challenges, with past-perfect verbs marking significant narrative shifts.

Researchers Alethea Helbig and Agnes Perkins emphasized the authentic Appalachian backdrop that reflects both its natural beauty and cultural values—elements Marty must confront to protect the dog. Ellen Mandel of Booklist praised the inclusion of West Virginia dialect enriching the dialogue. Conversely, Kenneth E. Kowen from School Library Journal noted inconsistency regarding Marty’s family being portrayed as impoverished despite his father holding a well-compensated postal position.

Reviewer Cecilia Goodnow classified Shiloh as both a Bildungsroman and an adventure tale charting Marty’s physical and emotional maturation through his efforts to safeguard Shiloh. After facing an abusive adult antagonist, Marty reflects: "I saved Shiloh and opened my eyes some. Now that ain't bad for eleven." Carol Ann Gearhart of Salem Press described the work as an example of domestic realism.

Abuse and love

Having endured physical abuse during his childhood, Judd wishes to keep Shiloh because he cannot comprehend why others want to rescue the dog when no one came to his aid during his own pain. Although Judd exhibits a rough demeanor, reviewer Hary Sheehan observed that he still shows traces of compassion. Journalist Kate Cavanaugh pointed out that Judd’s difficulty in expressing love toward Shiloh is rooted in the absence of affection within his family environment.

Animal–human relationships

Timothy Morris, the author, drew attention to similarities between Shiloh and Eric Knight’s 1940 novel Lassie Come-Home, where young boys develop bonds with dogs owned by others, leading to moral conflicts with their fathers. Morris highlighted that Shiloh’s loyalty to Marty is depicted with profoundly human qualities; in the rural setting of West Virginia, Shiloh acts as the masculine companion and brother figure Marty lacks. Marty regards animals as sentient beings and trusted friends, in contrast to certain adults who primarily view animals as economic assets. According to Morris, children like Marty challenge traditional rural attitudes and embrace a more empathetic, upper-class perspective.

Scholar Claudia Mills explained that Marty's parents define ownership strictly by legal rights and purchase—asserting that Judd owns Shiloh—whereas Marty contends that genuine love should determine who truly owns the dog.

Ethics

In Shiloh, Naylor delves into the intricacies of morality through Marty's ethical struggles and unexpected plot developments. To shield Shiloh from Judd and his authoritarian parents, Marty ends up stealing food and telling lies, actions that contrast with his generally conscientious character. His prayer underscores this moral tension: he must choose between complete honesty, which might allow the dog to suffer again, or concealing Shiloh’s whereabouts to provide a better life.

Judith B. Rosenfeld of the Knoxville News-Sentinel remarked that Naylor implies children raised in nurturing families tend to make sound ethical decisions and flourish. In a 1994 interview, Naylor stated that Shiloh presents a moral quandary without straightforward solutions, exposing young readers to the ambiguous "gray area between right and wrong." Reviewer Matt Berman from The Times-Picayune summarized the core message as "nothing is as simple as it seems." Additionally, Entertainment Weekly acclaimed it as a "compelling narrative of moral development" offering insight into a preadolescent’s inner thoughts.

The children's literature journal The ALAN Review assessed Marty’s conduct as aligning with advanced Kohlberg stages (5 and 6) of moral development theory. Despite concerns for his own safety, Marty remains steadfast in protecting Shiloh, exhibiting moral bravery uncommon even among adults. The authors concluded that Marty represents a positive exemplar for children aspiring to higher ethical principles.

Consequentialism

In her article for Children's Literature, Claudia Mills observed that Shiloh addresses the tension between "consequentialism and deontological respect for moral duty". Raised with values emphasizing respect for others and devotion to God, Marty struggles with the unfairness of Shiloh’s mistreatment. He rationalizes his dishonest actions by thinking "[a] lie don't seem a lie anymore when it's meant to save a dog". Consequentialism evaluates actions based on their results; however, Marty's attempts to protect Shiloh inadvertently cause harm—after hiding him in the woods, Shiloh is attacked and injured by a German shepherd.

Mills stressed that consequentialism demands considering effects on all involved parties. Marty coerces Judd over illegal deer hunting to purchase Shiloh, but this could lead to harm for local deer populations in the future. Reflecting on this, Marty admits: "By lettin' him get away with this, I'm putting other deer in danger." Ultimately, he chooses "domestic love over the grander principle."

Religion and morality

Critics emphasize the role of religion in shaping Marty's ethical decisions. When Marty secretly consumes his sister Dara Lynn's chocolate Easter bunny, his devout mother cautions him that Jesus observes all transgressions and that sinners may be distanced from God's affection.

Claudia Mills draws a parallel between Marty's determination to protect Shiloh and Huckleberry Finn's choice to defend Jim, highlighting Marty's acceptance of potential condemnation for dishonesty with the phrase, "All right, then, I'll go to hell." Despite this, Marty remains steadfast in safeguarding Shiloh.

Toward the conclusion of the story, Judd declines to uphold their agreement without a witness present. When Marty inquires about the meaning of a witness, his mother clarifies it as "someone who knows the Lord Jesus and is willing to speak about it." Although Judd refuses to comply, Marty stays true to his promise: "All I can do is stick to my side of the deal and see what happens." Once Judd finally relinquishes Shiloh, Marty's simple response is: "Love him." Mills notes that Marty exemplifies his mother's religious concept of witness by embodying an ethic of love focused on Shiloh.

Reception

Elizabeth Ward of The News & Observer included Shiloh among the top children's books of 1991, describing it as a "heartstopping, but tough-as-steel story of a boy and an abused dog in the hardscrabble hill country of West Virginia." Author Timothy Morris referred to it as the "most celebrated dog novel of the nineties." In Entertainment Weekly, Michele Landsberg awarded it an A grade and labeled it a "compelling read." Laura Elliott compared Shiloh to timeless works like Charlotte's Web, commending its distinctive voice, suspenseful narrative, and thematic complexity.

Following its receipt of the Newbery Award, Jane Langton expressed skepticism in The New York Times Book Review about whether Shiloh truly deserved the honor, calling it "a good book, not a great book" amidst what she perceived as a scarcity of outstanding children's literature that year. Conversely, Judy Green from The Sacramento Bee defended its quality, applauding Naylor's insightful portrayal of Marty's internal struggles and her use of authentic regional dialect.

Ellen Mandel writing for Booklist praised the novel’s "moving and powerful look" at human nature and moral dilemmas. Betsy Hearne in The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books highlighted its suspenseful storyline alongside thought-provoking ethical issues. K.B. Cartwright in The Reading Teacher lauded its compelling depiction of family tension and integrity. Likewise, Kirkus Reviews described it as a "gripping account of a mountain boy's love for a dog he's hiding from its owner." Heather Vogel Frederick from The Christian Science Monitor characterized it as "unusually warm and moving," recommending it as an excellent choice for family read-aloud sessions.

The novel encountered censorship challenges due to profanity; Naylor received complaints regarding Judd’s use of the word "dammit." She responded by noting that some individuals speak bluntly and that children cannot be completely shielded from such language. Additionally, some reviewers from West Virginia criticized the portrayal of dialect in the book, with one opting not to read it aloud using that dialect for her own children.

Honors

In 1992, Shiloh was honored with the Newbery Medal, an annual accolade bestowed by the children's librarians division of the American Library Association to recognize "the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children." The selection panel, consisting of 15 members appointed by the Association for Library Service to Children, reaches a consensus from thousands of submissions to determine the recipient. Initially considered an unexpected winner, Shiloh ultimately secured the award, attracting considerable media coverage and interview requests for author Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. Additionally, the book was designated as an American Library Association Notable Children's Book.

In January 1994, more than 60,000 students from third through sixth grade in Oklahoma voted Shiloh as the recipient of the Sequoyah Book Award, one of the longest-standing children's choice awards in the United States. Naylor received this honor during the Oklahoma Library Association conference. That same year, Shiloh also earned the Mark Twain Readers Award, determined by votes from fourth- to eighth-grade students in Missouri, followed later by the William Allen White Children's Book Award, which involved participation from over 55,000 children in Kansas.

In 1997, The Virginian-Pilot initiated a community-wide reading project centered on Shiloh, serializing the novel and supplying educational resources and interactive online content for young readers. By 1999, the book was recommended by the Read Across America program for children aged nine to twelve. The Shiloh trilogy achieved a ranking of seventh place on the National Education Association's list of Children's Top 100 books by 2000, underscoring its popularity among youth readers. The series remains widely incorporated into elementary school curricula across the United States.

Sequels

The original story of Shiloh is followed by three sequels: Shiloh Season (1996), Saving Shiloh (1997), and A Shiloh Christmas (2015). In Shiloh Season, Judd's antagonism resurfaces, complicated by struggles with alcohol, while Marty grapples with fears about losing his dog. This installment shifts its thematic emphasis from questions of morality to confronting malevolent behavior. In Saving Shiloh, Marty’s parents advocate for forgiveness amid community mistrust toward Judd during a series of local crimes; simultaneously, the family deals with themes of death, animosity, and sibling conflict.

Published by Atheneum with an initial print run of 200,000 copies, A Shiloh Christmas portrays a community suffering from drought that unjustly blames Judd—now reformed—for their hardships. Following a fire that damages several homes including Judd’s, Marty’s family aids in reconstruction efforts. The narrative culminates as Marty uncovers possible abuse when he finds the pastor’s daughter confined within a toolshed, concluding with a healing Christmas gathering among divided characters.

Naylor crafted these sequels in response to young readers’ strong disdain for Judd Travers, intending to portray him as a complex individual shaped by childhood trauma who faces challenging ethical decisions.

The first three books were adapted into feature films: Shiloh (1996), Shiloh Season (1999), and Saving Shiloh (2006).

Film

In 1996, Warner Bros. Pictures released the film adaptation titled Shiloh, directed by Dale Rosenbloom. Rosenbloom encountered Shiloh while searching for a suitable book for his nephew and was drawn to its narrative due to his own experience adopting an abused dog. His goal was to create family-oriented films that focus on character development. This film marked the first adaptation among Phyllis Reynolds Naylor's extensive catalog of over 100 works. The cast featured Blake Heron portraying Marty and Scott Wilson as Judd Travers. Produced on a budget below $2 million, filming took place over 30 days in October 1996 in Topanga, California.

The movie diverges from the novel by depicting Marty's family as financially comfortable rather than impoverished, thereby shifting their conflict with Judd from economic hardship to emotional tension. Their residence is shown as a contemporary and well-furnished home, and Marty earns money rapidly through household chores. Unlike in the book, Marty's father does not engage in hunting activities within the film. Critic Timothy Morris observes that the film blurs boundaries between humans and animals more than the novel does; whereas in the book Judd is portrayed as a native who regards animals primarily as possessions.

Since much of the novel’s narrative unfolds internally through Marty’s thoughts, the film externalizes these elements by introducing additional characters and scenes. Rosenbloom worked closely with Naylor on these adaptations. Both expressed mutual admiration for each other’s contributions; by mid-1997, Naylor had viewed the film six times and noted its powerful effect on audiences.

Although it did not achieve significant box office success, Shiloh performed well in home video sales. Renowned critic Roger Ebert included it among his top ten films, praising its sophisticated and nuanced portrayal of a boy’s affection for his dog amidst real-life challenges. The film also won "best film" at the Chicago International Film Festival.

Audiobook

In 1992, Bantam Books issued the audiobook version of Shiloh. This complete, three-hour recording features narration by Peter MacNicol, who was commended for his skillful portrayal of characters and for crafting an authentic, folksy ambiance.

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