For a child grappling with uncertainty or longing for a missing parent, this adventure features a boy and his unique dog on a quest through the Old West.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is processing the loss or absence of a parent and needs a story that acknowledges their feelings while offering adventure and hope. The book follows twelve-year-old Jake, who is told his actor father has died. But his father's strange, part-wolf dog, Jim Ugly, convinces Jake that something is amiss. Together, they set off on a thrilling quest across the Old West to uncover the truth, dodging villains and following cryptic clues. This fast-paced mystery balances the serious theme of a missing parent with humor, resilience, and the powerful bond between a boy and his dog. For ages 9 to 12, it's a perfect choice for a child who needs to see a young hero take charge of his own story in the face of uncertainty.
The protagonist's father is a charming rogue, accused of theft but ultimately good-hearted.
Sensitive Topics
The book's premise is the death of a parent. However, the approach is not one of grief counseling. It is framed as a mystery from the very first chapter, giving the protagonist (and the reader) immediate hope and a sense of agency. The resolution is fully hopeful, as the father is found alive and well. The story is secular and focuses on themes of loyalty, cleverness, and perseverance rather than the emotional process of grieving a permanent loss.
Ideal Reader
This is for the 9 to 12-year-old who loves classic adventure stories, mysteries, and animal companions. It's particularly well-suited for a child grappling with feelings of powerlessness or the absence of a parent (through separation, deployment, or death), as it provides an empowering narrative of a child taking control and actively seeking answers.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold. Parents should be aware that the opening scene is a funeral, but it is not graphic. The most important context is that the story provides a hopeful, adventurous fantasy where the 'dead' parent is actually alive. This might be a wonderful escape for some children but could create complicated feelings for a child dealing with a permanent loss, so a brief post-reading chat might be helpful. A parent has noticed their child seems withdrawn or is struggling with the absence of a caregiver. The child might be fantasizing about their return or expressing a desire to "do something" about the situation. The parent is looking for a book that is not a heavy, realistic story about loss but an uplifting adventure.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will be captivated by the fast-paced plot, the thrilling escapes, and the incredible bond between Jake and Jim Ugly. An older reader (11-12) will also appreciate Sid Fleischman's witty dialogue, the rich historical setting of the Old West, and the more subtle themes of trust, reputation, and resourcefulness.
What Makes It Special
Unlike most books dealing with parental loss that focus on the internal, emotional landscape of grief, 'Jim Ugly' externalizes the conflict into a grand, physical quest. The historical American West setting and Fleischman's signature tall-tale humor give it a unique, lighthearted-yet-exciting tone. The dog is not a sidekick but a co-protagonist whose intelligence and instincts are central to solving the mystery.
Read plot summary
Twelve-year-old Jake Bannock's actor father has supposedly drowned and been buried. At the grave, his father's incredibly intelligent, part-wolf mongrel, Jim Ugly, refuses to accept the death. When a shady character tries to buy the dog for a hefty sum, Jake's suspicions are confirmed. The boy and dog duo flee, embarking on a journey across Nevada and California. They follow a trail of clues left by Jake's father, who they believe is alive but in hiding after being accused of stealing a fortune in diamonds. They must outwit con men and bounty hunters to solve the mystery and reunite their family.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Jim Ugly isn't a typical dog. What wolf-like and dog-like things does he do? How did Jake know to trust Jim Ugly's instincts at the grave, even when adults told him his father was gone?
2
Jake meets many characters who are not what they seem, like D. D. Skeats. When did you first suspect Skeats was not a friend? What clues did Jake miss or notice?
3
Jake's father is an actor who is good at pretending. In what ways does Jake have to 'act' or be clever to survive on his own? Do you think being an actor's son helped him on his journey?
4
At the end of the book, Jake's father says, 'I never knew I had such a son.' What do you think he learned about Jake from this adventure? What did Jake learn about himself?
