Books Like Jim Ugly
Families who loved Jim Ugly by Sid Fleischman often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved Jim Ugly by Sid Fleischman often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
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.
