Jim Ugly
illustrations by
on Goodreads (341)
What’s inside...
Presents the adventures of twelve-year-old Jake and Jim Ugly, his father's part-mongrel, part-wolf dog, as they travel through the Old West trying to find out what really happened to Jake's actor father. Part wolf and fiercely independent, Jim Ugly is a dog who answers to only one person. Unfortunately, that man, Sam Bannock, has disappeared. Rumor has it that Sam is dead, but to his son, Jake, something about that doesn't sound quite right. So Jake and Jim Ugly embark on a wild journey into the frontier West, where they find themselves pursued by a pretty lady, a theater troupe, and one very ornery yellow-legged man. And they all want to know one thing: Where is Sam Bannock?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think about the relationship between Jake and his dog, Jim Ugly? How do they rely on each other throughout their adventure?
How do the characters in the book show courage and cleverness? Can you think of a time when you had to be brave or clever?
The setting of this book is in the Old West. How do you imagine life was like during that time? What would be the most exciting and challenging parts?
Jim Ugly is part wolf and part dog. How do you think that affects his behavior and the way other characters view him in the story?
If you were part of Jake’s journey to uncover the mystery about his father, what would you have done differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the characters and the setting of the Old West to life, enhancing the storytelling experience for the child.
After reading a chapter, ask your child to predict what might happen next, encouraging them to think critically about the storyline and the characters’ decisions.
Discuss the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. This helps children develop empathy and understand different perspectives.
Connect the themes of the book to the child’s own experiences, such as friendship, loyalty, and adventure, making the book more relatable and thediscussion more engaging.
Encourage your child to ask questions about the book and express their opinions, fostering a two-way conversation that enhances understanding and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of loyalty
Explanation: In 'Jim Ugly,' the loyalty between the boy, Jake, and his wolf-dog, Jim Ugly, showcases how they stick together and depend on each other throughout their adventure.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture loyalty in their relationships, understanding the importance of standing by friends and family in various life situations.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: Throughout the novel, Jake's journey to clear his father's name is filled with challenges, yet he continually pushes forward, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This narrative can help children grasp the concept of perseverance when they encounter difficulties, whether in academic tasks or personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: As Jake deciphers clues about his father's death and whereabouts, he showcases critical thinking and strategic problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to approach problems thoughtfully and explore multiple solutions, applicable in tasks like school projects or resolving conflicts.
Example Lesson: The power of teamwork
Explanation: Jake and Jim Ugly often rely on each other’s strengths to navigate through their quest, highlighting the effectiveness of working together.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of cooperative efforts and how collaboration can often lead to achieving common goals in group settings like classrooms or sports.
Example Lesson: Judging based on actions, not appearances
Explanation: Jim Ugly is often misjudged due to his wolf-like appearance, but his actions show his loyalty and intelligence, teaching a lesson on looking beyond the surface.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by embracing diversity and learning not to judge others based on appearances but on their behavior and character.