The One and Only Ivan
A Newbery Award Winner
📘 About This Book
The #1 New York Times bestselling and Newbery Award-winning novel The One and Only Ivan is now a major motion picture streaming on Disney+ This unforgettable novel from renowned author Katherine Applegate celebrates the transformative power of unexpected friendship. Inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, this illustrated book is told from the point of view of Ivan himself. Having spent twenty-seven years behind the glass walls of his enclosure in a shopping mall, Ivan has grown accustomed to humans watching him. He hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle. Instead, Ivan occupies himself with television, his friends Stella and Bob, and painting. But when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, he is forced to see their home, and his art, through new eyes. In the tradition of timeless stories like Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little, Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create an unforgettable story of friendship, art, and hope. The One and Only Ivan features first-person narrative; author's use of literary devices (personification, imagery); and story elements (plot, character development, perspective). This acclaimed middle grade novel is an excellent choice for tween readers in grades 5 to 8, for independent reading, homeschooling, and sharing in the classroom. Plus don't miss The One and Only Bob, Katherine Applegate's return to the world of Ivan, Bob, and Ruby!
📖 Summary
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate is a deeply moving, Newbery Award-winning novel inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla. Spanning three hundred and seven pages, the book is told entirely from the unique and observant perspective of Ivan himself. Having spent twenty-seven long years residing behind the glass walls of his enclosure at a suburban shopping mall, Ivan has grown well accustomed to the daily parade of human spectators watching him. He rarely reflects upon his forgotten life in the deep jungle, choosing instead to focus on the routine comforts of his present existence. Ivan occupies his mind with watching television, interacting with his animal companions, and expressing himself through painting. His closest friends within the mall are Stella, a wise and aging elephant, and Bob, a cynical stray dog who visits him freely. Together, this unlikely trio navigates the monotony and confinement of their artificial home. However, the delicate status quo of Ivan's life is dramatically disrupted with the arrival of Ruby, an innocent baby elephant who has been recently taken from the wild. Seeing the world through the vulnerable eyes of the young elephant forces Ivan to reexamine his harsh surroundings, his art, and the reality of his captivity. As Ivan witnesses Ruby's plight, a dormant sense of responsibility and memory awakens inside him. He realizes that he must use his unique talents and perspective to change their fate and secure a better future for his new friend. The novel explores profound themes of art, empathy, empathy in captivity, and the unexpected power of friendship. Through sparse yet evocative language and illustrations that complement the narrative, Applegate crafts an unforgettable story about finding one's voice, standing up against injustice, and the deep emotional bonds that connect different species. It is a modern classic that resonates deeply with readers of all ages, urging them to look closer at the world and care for its most vulnerable creatures.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Engaging and unique perspective from an animal narrator
Poignant themes about friendship and freedom
Illustrated format that enhances the storytelling experience
Inspired by a touching real-life story
⚠️ Cons
Deals with emotional and sensitive themes of animal captivity
May be too brief for readers wanting an extended narrative
✍️ About the Author
❓ FAQ
Who is the author of The One and Only Ivan? +
The book was written by renowned author Katherine Applegate.
What is the book's primary genre? +
The One and Only Ivan is a work of fiction.
Whose perspective is the story told from? +
The story is told entirely from the point of view of Ivan, a captive gorilla.
Is the novel based on real events? +
Yes, the book was inspired by the true story of a real captive gorilla known as Ivan.
What major award did the novel win? +
The One and Only Ivan is a Newbery Award-winning novel and a New York Times bestseller.
