The One and Only Ivan, written by Katherine Applegate, is the 2103 Newbery Medal Winner. Ivan is a silverback gorilla who lives in a cage and is a tourist attraction at the Exit 8 New Top Mall and Video Arcade. Ivan has his friends Stella the elephant, and Bob the stray dog, and he doesn’t think his life is that bad. Instead of thinking about his life in the wild, Ivan spends most of his time painting pictures that are sold in the gift shop. But Stella longingly remembers her former life of freedom. So when the owner of the mall tries to drum up business by bringing in a baby elephant named Ruby, Stella makes Ivan realize that this roadside circus is no place for a baby elephant to grow up. Before she dies from an infected foot that has been neglected, Stella makes Ivan promise to use his brains to get Ruby out of the circus and into a zoo.
Inspired by a true story of a gorilla that was held captive for 25-years before he was rescued and moved to the Atlanta zoo, this story of hope and friendship is an uplifting read for any child. It is easy accessible with short chapters and illustrations by Patricia Castelao. The chapters almost have a poem like feel to them that could be a gateway to get your children interested in poetry. We just loved this book, even my daughter, who usually refuses to read books about animals because according to her “the animal always dies.” I will caution that Ivan describes how his family was killed by poachers which might be upsetting to some kids. But overall this is an amazing read that my kids and I would recommend.
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