The One and Only Ivan, Mighty Silverback of Exit 8 Big Top Mall, is trapped in a small cage where he performs. The amazing story is told in Ivan's perspective, a story of how he shaped his own life. He used to be a free silverback in a wide forest, until he got captured by humans. Ivan never really thought about his life in the wilderness when he's in the zoo, but his best friend dying and a new elephant in the zoo changed his thoughts about the whole incident, and Ivan's eyes open. But when the time comes, will he be willing to risk a whole comfy biosphere to a new world? But the biggest question remains- how? A compelling plot, enthralling sequence of events, and an animal's perspective make The One and Only Ivan deservant to get the John Newberry Medal award.
The One and Only Ivan
By Katherine Applegate
| Interest Level | Reading Level | Reading A-Z | ATOS | Word Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grades 4 - 8 | Grades 2 - 5 | T | 3.6 | 26263 |
Winner of the Newbery Medal and a #1 New York Times bestseller!
This stirring and unforgettable novel from renowned author Katherine Applegate celebrates the transformative power of unexpected friendships. Inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, this illustrated novel is told from the point-of-view of Ivan himself.
Having spent 27 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.
The One and Only Ivan was hailed as a best book of the year by Kirkus, School Library Journal, and Amazon, demonstrating it is a true classic in the making. In the tradition of timeless stories like Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little, Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create Ivan's unforgettable first-person narration in a story of friendship, art, and hope. An author's note depicts the differences between the fictional story and true events.
Book Reviews (448)
Winning the John Newbery Medal and based on a true story, animal lovers and everyone should read this truly incredible book. Ivan is a silverback gorilla living in captivity at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade. There he's known as the “Mighty Silverback”. He’s said to be roaring and angry. But that’s not true. Ivan is as calm and peaceful as a still lake. Ivan used to live in the free wilderness, but after being captured, Ivan is now used to entertain kids and visitors who come to see the mighty silverback. But when a new baby elephant, Ruby, comes and a promise is made, Ivan’s eyes are finally opened. He needs to get himself and Ruby to a better, safer, and kinder place to have the life they deserve. Paintings, kindness, and humor makes The One and Only Ivan an amazing book for all ages.
The one and only Ivan is about a gorilla named Ivan. He lived in a mall and circus called the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade. He has two friends: an elephant named Stella and a stray dog named Bob. One day, Ruby, a baby elephant comes to the mall. Ivan wants to give Ruby a good home, like a zoo. Find out what Ivan does when you read the book.I like this book because the character Ivan is interesting.
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ha kids and ha super man
I feel like I would like this book bc other people like the book
This story is sad but also happy Ivan had been through bad things. He has a few friends they are an elephant and a dog. But things get better in his life little by little.
Dis is the most perfect book in the world
Best book ever! I also recommend the one and only bob
What would it be like if you were a gorilla and put in a circus? I think i probably wouldn't want to because I feel like it wouldn't be that fun to be in a cage almost every hour of the day. “The one and only ivan” is a great book especially if you like the circus. Also I think you would like it if you like long books because this one is pretty long. The main setting in the book is at the circus. The gorilla likes to paint at the circus and they sell it for money. The gorilla likes to put on a show for the people at the circus. Ivan was rescued because of his health conditions. So that's how he became a circus animal. The people at the circus discovered that Ivan loved to paint so the people at the circus charged money for ivans paintings. The age group I would say for this is 10-12 and I would recommend it to people who love animals. This book is so cute, so please read it!
amazing